The South Metro Fire Department serves the cities of South St. Paul and West St. Paul, covering approximately 11 square miles with a population of roughly 40,000. Our district has a large number of multi-residential dwellings. We have diverse commercial industries, although typically limited to light industrial, mercantile and restaurants. The district is not a “bedroom” community; our population rises considerably during the day.

The department has 38 full-time employees. The Fire Department has a Chief, Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief, 3 Fire Captains, 6 Lieutenants, 4 Fire Inspectors/Firefighters, 21 Firefighters, and 1 secretary. Our suppression crews work 24-hour rotating shifts out of two stations.
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The Fire Department is responsible for fire suppression, EMS, hazardous materials response and fire prevention (inspections, plan reviews, fire investigations). We respond to roughly 4,400 alarms per year of which 1,200 are fire related and 3,200 are medical related. Additionally, we have serveral members who serve on the Dakota County Special Operations Team and Minnesota Task Force 1.