Burlington Fire Department

The Burlington Volunteer Fire Department was founded on May 3, 1943 when a
Group of concerned citizens met at the Boone County Courthouse to discuss
The fire protection needs of their growing Community.
The territory of the department was set at a three mile radius from the center
Of Burlington. Donations from the citizens provided $1,012, of which $700 was
Used to purchase the first fire truck, a 1938 Ford. A pump, hoses, and nozzles
Were also purchased. A building located behind the old courthouse on
Jefferson Street was donated by the Boone County Library Association.
This became Burlington’s first firehouse.
The first officer’s of the department were Chief A. E. Stephens, Assistant
Chief Elza Poston, Captain Albert Kirkpatrick, Lieutenant J.K. Cropper,
Lieutenant Luther Smith and Lieutenant Sam Ryle.
In 1960 Ralph Stith donated an ambulance and this was the start of the
Burlington Rescue Squad. In 1965 a new three bay firehouse was built
On Torrid Street behind the Burlington Baptist Church. In 1988 the building
Was expanded to 6 bays to allow for larger and more modern equipment.
In 1980 a KRS Chapter 75 fire-taxing district was established and the
Volunteer department became known as the Burlington Fire Protection
District. This change became necessary when donations were no longer
Providing enough revenue to fund the daily operations of the department.
Today the department collects approximately $1,750,000 from taxes
To provide fire and emergency medical service to an area that covers
38.7 square miles.
In 1992 the department two employees to provide daytime coverage when
Most volunteers were at work. The first two employees were Chief David E.
Biddle and Firefighter/EMT Matt Chastain.
In 2000 the department started 24 hour staffing to cover the primary squad
And handle single engine responses.
In 2002 the department opened a new state of the art headquarters
Located on Burlington Pike just east of Burlington. The new 16,500 square
Foot 8 bay station replaced the aging station that had originally been built
In 1965 and could not accommodate additional 24 hour staffing.
In 2003 the department started providing ALS coverage to the citizens
Of Burlington and today has two Firefighter/Paramedics on duty 24 hours
A day to cover both the primary and back-up squad.
Today we operate three engines, two ALS ambulances, a tanker, a ladder
Truck and a brush/air supply truck. On any given day you may see a fire
Engine, ambulance or other support vehicle in your neighborhood. These
Personnel may be conducting one of the 450 annual fire safety inspections
At an area business, church, school or apartment complex located within our
Response area. They may also be testing and painting fire hydrants, mapping
The many new streets, conducting a fire prevention program, or checking
A problematic smoke detector for an elderly resident.
With your support, the Burlington Fire Protection District has grown to
Become one of the most effective departments in Northern Kentucky. The professional men and women of this department
Augmented by dedicated volunteers, still hold dear the same principles that were present in the formation of this department so many
years ago. Ever vigilant, we are committed to be serving your fire and EMS needs in a timely, effective and professional manner.