8 Unmissable Facts About The City Of Charleston SC Fire Department: What’s New In 2025

The City of Charleston SC Fire Department (CFD) is not just a historic institution; it is a forward-thinking, nationally recognized emergency service, with major operational shifts and significant funding secured in late 2024 and throughout 2025. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information as of December 2025, detailing the new initiatives, key leadership, and operational statistics that define the department's commitment to public safety in the Lowcountry. The CFD is constantly evolving to meet the unique challenges of a growing coastal city, from historic structure fires to complex marine operations and hurricane preparedness. The department's strategic focus in 2025 centers on enhancing firefighter well-being, securing critical infrastructure, and leveraging technology to improve response times across the peninsula and surrounding areas.

Fire Chief Daniel M. Curia: Biography and Servant Leadership

The Charleston Fire Department is led by a chief whose philosophy is rooted in "servant leadership," a concept that has earned him national recognition and guided the department's recent strategic shifts.

• Full Name: Daniel M. Curia (Dan Curia)
• Current Position: Fire Chief, City of Charleston Fire Department (CFD)
• Appointment Date: July 2018
• Previous Service: Chief Curia served for 28 years with the Durham Fire Department in North Carolina before moving to Charleston.
• Leadership Philosophy: He champions a "servant leadership" model, balancing the paramilitary structure of the fire service with a focus on supporting and empowering the department's personnel.
• Recent Honors: He was named Career Fire Chief of the Year, underscoring his impact on the department's modernization efforts and commitment to firefighter welfare.
• Department Size: The CFD, under his leadership, consists of over 300 full-time firefighters.

8 Key Updates Defining the Charleston Fire Department in 2025

The CFD has made several major strides in its operations and funding, making 2025 a pivotal year for the department's future readiness and internal culture.

1. Securing the Port: The $832,600 Federal Grant

A significant financial boost was announced in November 2025 when Congresswoman Nancy Mace helped secure an $832,600 federal grant for the Charleston Fire Department. This substantial funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), is specifically earmarked to enhance emergency operations at the Port of Charleston. Given the Port of Charleston’s rank as a critical economic and logistical hub, this funding ensures the CFD has the specialized equipment and training necessary to respond to complex incidents involving maritime, industrial, and security threats, thereby protecting vital national infrastructure.

2. The '1323' Shift: A New Milestone for Firefighter Wellness

In a move described as a "huge milestone" and a first for a fire department in South Carolina, the CFD began piloting a new '1323' work schedule. The innovative shift model is designed to significantly improve firefighter work-life balance and reduce burnout. Under the '1323' model, firefighters work:

• One day on shift.
• Three days off.
• Two days on shift.
• Three days off.

Deputy Chief Forest Cockcroft noted that this new schedule is intended to "make us better firefighters" by prioritizing rest and family time, leading to higher morale and better performance on the job.

3. A Look at 2024 Incident Statistics

The sheer volume and diversity of the Charleston Fire Department’s workload are evident in its 2024 incident report. While the department is named for fire, the statistics reveal a much broader role in emergency services, particularly in rescue and emergency medical services (EMS).

CFD 2024 Incident Breakdown:

• Rescue/EMS Calls: 11,671 (The highest volume of calls)
• Fire Incidents: 663
• Service Calls: 1,403
• Good Intent Calls: 5,000
• False Alarms/Calls: 4,207
• Special Incidents: 370

The overwhelming number of Rescue/EMS calls highlights the CFD’s essential function as a first responder for medical emergencies throughout the city.

4. Focus on Community Risk Reduction (CRR)

A core component of the CFD’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan is the emphasis on Community Risk Reduction. The Fire Marshal Division (FMO) plays a crucial role in this initiative, working to prevent fires and other emergencies through education, inspections, and enforcement of fire codes. In 2024, FMO investigators responded to 109 investigation requests, helping to determine the cause and origin of fires to inform future prevention strategies.

5. Specialized Operations for a Coastal City

Charleston’s geography—a peninsula surrounded by water and prone to severe weather—necessitates specialized equipment and teams. The CFD maintains a robust capability for water-related and weather-related emergencies.

• Marine Operations: The department operates a dedicated boat team for water rescue and maritime emergencies.
• High-Water Vehicles: The CFD has three specialized high-water vehicles to navigate flooded areas, a crucial asset during hurricane season and flash floods.
• Weather Preparedness: The City, in partnership with the CFD, actively prepares for hurricane and winter weather events, with updates and service changes announced as recently as January 2025.

6. Strategic Goals for 2026 and Beyond

The CFD’s Strategic Plan (2022-2026) sets clear, measurable goals for the department's future. The primary goal is to evaluate and improve upon current CFD emergency response programs to enhance the delivery of fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. This includes continually monitoring and implementing new initiatives to maintain excellence in the face of a growing population and increasing call volume.

7. The CFD Fire Station Network

Topical authority for a fire department requires knowing its footprint. The CFD operates a network of fire stations strategically placed across the city to ensure rapid response times, adhering to national standards. Key stations include:

• Station 2 / 3 (Central Station): 262 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
• Station 6: 5 Cannon Street
• Station 8: 370 Huger Street
• Station 10: 1 Nicholson Street, Charleston, SC 29407
• Station 7: 1173 Fort Johnson Road
• Apparatus Example: Ladder 104 (Tiller) and Rescue 115 operate out of 162 Coming Street.

8. Internal Development and Training

Beyond operations, the CFD is heavily invested in its personnel. The department is piloting a new incident program designed to refine on-the-job skills and tactical execution, with the goal of creating "better firefighters." Furthermore, the department actively participates in leadership components related to emergency services, often hosting or attending conferences like FireFusion 2025 to discuss modern leadership and operational techniques. This commitment to professional development ensures the department remains on the cutting edge of fire and rescue services.

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