Ocala Fire Rescue

Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) is the professional fire and emergency services department serving the City of Ocala, Florida. Established in 1885 following a devastating downtown fire in 1883, OFR has grown from a volunteer hose company into a modern, fully staffed career fire department. It operates out of seven fire stations strategically located throughout the city, with plans underway for an eighth station to meet community growth.

The department’s mission is to protect life and property by responding rapidly to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, and other urgent calls for help. OFR’s personnel are trained as both firefighters and emergency medical responders (EMTs and paramedics), enabling them to provide advanced life support and comprehensive emergency care.

Ocala Fire Rescue is also dedicated to community education and prevention, offering programs like fire safety education, CPR training, smoke detector distribution, and public outreach initiatives. Its organizational structure includes divisions for Fire Administration, Fire Safety Management, Fire Suppression, Fire Safety Education, EMS & Training, and Communications.

The department maintains and continually upgrades its fleet and equipment to serve the community effectively, such as adding new rescue vehicles and advanced apparatus to enhance response capabilities.