About the Jackson Fire Department
About the Jackson Fire Department
Our History
1882 was a pivotal year for the Jackson Fire Department. On March 7, citizens met to discuss the need for an organized fire company and better firefighting equipment. This led to a special meeting of city leaders, resulting in the purchase of new equipment, construction of water cisterns, an alarm system, and the official formation of the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department on March 15, 1882. By 1893, the city transitioned to a paid Fire Department.
In 1885, the completion of Jackson’s water works marked a milestone in fire prevention. Fire hydrants on most street corners provided 80 pounds of pressure, ending the need for hand-pumping water. That year, the city added hose carts and reel houses, allowing volunteers to quickly connect hoses to hydrants. By November, the Fire and Water Works Committee sold the hand-pumping engine, signaling a new era of efficiency.
In 1912, Jackson acquired its first motorized firefighting apparatus, the American LaFrance Pumping Machine—the first of its kind in Tennessee. By 1923, the department included additional engines and a chemical/ladder wagon built from a Ford Model T. Growing city demands led to the opening of new stations, including Station #2 in 1925 and Station #3 in 1949 to address eastward expansion and train blockages.
The 1970s brought significant advancements in communication and dispatch, with the appointment of full-time dispatchers and modern equipment replacing horse-drawn apparatus. Over time, the department expanded its role, offering services like water rescue, hazardous materials response, and rope rescue. The Rescue Squad, established in 1989, focuses on specialized equipment and rescuing trapped motorists.
Today, the Jackson Fire Department operates with a commitment to excellence, providing 24/7, 365 fire and emergency response service. Firefighters undergo continuous training in fire suppression, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials to protect lives and livelihoods in Jackson, TN. Our Fire Department remains dedicated to state-of-the-art training, staying ahead by actively monitoring state requirements and embracing new certifications, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of emergency services. Together, we are dedicated to the safety, resilience, and well-being of our community.
Our Leadership
Help Us help Others
The Jackson Fire + Rescue Community Safety Fund
Did you know: City funding covers essential fire rescue support, but there are limitations to funding progressive community safety advancements. Over 94% of our annual operating budget is allocated toward department salaries and benefits. Donations, community support, and business partnerships allow us to improve our services while expanding our community safety, training, and preparedness efforts in our growing city.
We’re proud to accept donations from individuals, local businesses, and corporations to support the mission of Jackson Fire & Rescue Department. These generous contributions strengthen our fire and life safety initiatives, extend training for our personnel, and invest in advanced technology to better serve our community. Your support truly makes a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of everyone we serve.
Your donation to the Jackson Fire & Rescue Community Safety Fund strengthens our ability to protect local life and property through fire rescue, prevention, and emergency medical response.
Facebook Posts
⚠️ Engine 77 Responds to Downed Power Lines ⚠️
Earlier today, Jackson Fire Department’s Engine 77 was dispatched for a rescue call involving downed power lines. This is a reminder that the fire service provides much more than fire suppression — we’re here to protect our community in all emergencies, including electrical hazards that threaten lives and property.
If you see downed power lines:
🔌 Stay at least 30 feet away — always assume lines are live.
📞 Call 911 immediately — let trained professionals handle it.
🚫 Do not touch anything in contact with the line — including fences, vehicles, or water.
Our crews are trained and ready for all types of emergencies. Stay alert, stay safe, and trust Jackson Fire to be there when it matters most.
#JacksonTNFire #Engine77 #ElectricalSafety #BeyondTheFlames #AlwaysReady ... See MoreSee Less
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🧼 Jackson Fire Department would like to thank Buff City Soap for their generous donation of product samples for our personnel!
Your thoughtful gesture is appreciated by our crews and supports the health and wellness of those who serve. 👨🚒🚒💪
#jacksonfire #communitysupport #thankyou #buffcitysoap #firefighterwellness ... See MoreSee Less
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👷♂️🚒 Today, Jackson Fire Department C Shift crews from Engine 12, Engine 13, and Truck 1—along with Training Instructor Johnson and CRR Specialist Nelson—proudly participated in Habitat for Humanity Jackson, Tennessee Area Inc.’s Project Playhouse!
This hands-on community effort reflects our deep commitment to serving Jackson not just in emergencies, but in building a stronger, safer, and more connected city. 💪🏽❤️🏡
#JacksonTNFire #CommunityFirst #HabitatForHumanity #ProjectPlayhouse #PublicService #StrongerTogether #CShiftCrew ... See MoreSee Less
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🫀 “Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive…” 🎶
CPR training doesn’t have to be intimidating—and our A Shift crew from Rescue 2 proved that yesterday with Kellanova!
In this video, you’ll see CPR students practicing chest compressions to the beat of Stayin’ Alive—a perfect rhythm to guide proper CPR technique. It’s a fun and memorable way to help save lives.
We’re proud to teach these life-saving skills to local industries, making Jackson stronger and more prepared with every class. 💪
#JacksonFire #StayinAlive #CPRTraining #CPRAwarenessWeek #HandsOnlyCPR #Rescue2 #CommunityPreparedness ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨 It’s CPR Awareness Week! 🚨
Jackson Fire Department is proud to offer CPR classes year-round because we know this life-saving skill changes outcomes for families, workplaces, and entire communities.
Yesterday, A Shift crews from Rescue 2 and Truck 6 spent time at Kellanova, training employees in CPR. Having team members trained in CPR means our local industries are better prepared to respond in those first critical moments—before first responders even arrive.
Thank you to Kellanova for investing in the safety of your team, and thank you to our crews for continuing to make Jackson, TN a safer place to live and work!
🫀 Learn more about CPR and classes: jacksontnfire.com
#CPRAwarenessWeek #JacksonFire #CommunityPreparedness #HandsOnlyCPR #CPRSavesLives ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒 Early Morning Fire – Quick Response Prevents Major Loss 🔥
This morning, Rescue 2, Truck 1, Battalion 1, Engine 13, Engine 12, and Engine 42 were dispatched to a reported garage/shed fire.
💨 Engine 42 arrived on scene within 4 minutes of dispatch, with all additional units arriving in under 7 minutes of dispatch. Thanks to the City of Jackson, TN - Jackson Fire Department’s rapid and coordinated response, the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished, mitigating significant property damage and preventing loss of life.
✅ No injuries were reported among civilians or fire personnel
🚨 SAFETY ALERT: Garage/shed fires can sometimes be linked to lithium-ion battery malfunctions, which can cause thermal runaway — a dangerous chain reaction leading to intense fire and even explosion.
🔋 Stay safe with these tips:
• Charge batteries on hard, nonflammable surfaces.
• Don’t charge overnight or unattended.
• Replace damaged or swollen batteries immediately.
• Use only manufacturer-approved chargers.
• Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Help us keep Jackson safe by staying informed and prepared.
#JacksonTN #JacksonFire #FireSafety #LithiumIonBatterySafety #ThermalRunaway #FastResponse #PublicSafety #ProtectingJackson ... See MoreSee Less
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🚑 Jackson Fire C Shift responded to a medical call today with Battalion 2, Engine 52, Engine 53, and Medic 61 on scene.
Every second counts — and your Jackson Fire Department is always ready to provide life-saving care when it matters most. Proud to serve and protect the citizens of Jackson, TN. 💪🔥 #jacksontn #FireEMS #HereToHelp #EverySecondCounts ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨 It’s CPR Week! 🚨
We’re proud to highlight Captain Kent Lott of the Jackson Fire Department and his family — real-life heroes who have saved lives because they knew CPR.
CPR can mean the difference between life and death. It’s a skill everyone should know.
Learn more and get empowered: jacksontnfire.com/ 💪❤️ #CPRWeek #JacksonTNFire #BeReadySaveALife ... See MoreSee Less
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🔥 Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Here are 3 reasons why you should:
1️⃣ Quick action can save lives
2️⃣ Stop small fires before they destroy property
3️⃣ Stay calm & confident in emergencies
🧯 Be prepared — it could make all the difference.
Learn more: jacksontnfire.com/ #FireSafety #JacksonTNFire ... See MoreSee Less
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