The Staunton Fire & Rescue Department operates two fire stations in the City and handles more than 4,000 calls annually.

The department is staffed by a fire chief, two deputy chiefs, fire marshal, 33 career firefighters, 19 part-time firefighters and proudly protects citizens, visitors and property from emergencies of all types— natural and human-made.  Courageous personnel work from various response platforms including two engines, one ladder, one medium duty rescue vehicle, and numerous other specialized units. 

Staunton Fire & Rescue is responsible for the following areas of emergency response and fire prevention:

• Fire operations, including structural, rural, and wildland urban interface
• Emergency medical service: basic lifesaving & advanced lifesaving first response
• Hazardous materials (VDEM Central Shenandoah Regional Hazardous Materials team)
• Vehicle extrication
• Confined space, trench collapse, building collapse, and high- and low-angle rope rescue (Virginia Division 2 Regional Technical Rescue Team)
• Domestic preparedness and planning
• Fire prevention/safety, code enforcement, permits and inspections
• Augusta County, and the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro completed a review and update of the regional Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). The update was adopted in Jan. 2026. Virginia State Code requires localities to renew their Emergency Operations Plan on a four-year cycle.

Achievements & Awards

Staunton Fire & Rescue recently achieved an extraordinarily rare advancement for a municipal fire department when it was recognized by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for improving its fire insurance classification from a Class 5 to a Class 2. The rating reflects the effectiveness of a fire department’s fire suppression program—its ability to receive and respond to fire alarms; sufficiently staff, equip and train its department; maintain a water supply system, and educate the community about fire risks.

The entire department and several members have also been awarded several prestigious Governor’s Fire Service Awards over the past few years.  Staunton’s fire department is also the only of its kind in Virginia to receive the Grinnell Mutual Life Safety Achievement award for a proactive approach to fire safety.