Fayetteville Fire Chief reports steady response times, training gains and expanded outreach

Fire Chief Kevin Dove presented the Fayetteville Fire Department’s third-quarter report on Oct. 27, telling council the department responded to 7,593 calls for service between July and September, with August as the busiest month (2,620 calls). Chief Dove said 25 recruits graduated from the academy and 245 people applied for the next class; 63% of applicants were from underrepresented populations and 40 were female.

Dove highlighted training investments, including a new underwater house prop at the Fayetteville Tech Regional Fire Training Facility to simulate rescues in flooded homes. He said the department’s total response time remains under the eight-minute goal and that 68% of structure fires were contained to the room of origin. There were 50 structure fires in the quarter, 19 of which began in kitchens, and the department reported no fire fatalities, eight civilian injuries and three firefighter injuries.

Chief Dove said the rise in recorded fire-code violations reflects more thorough inspections and corrective engagement rather than punitive intent: about 47% of violations were corrected during the inspection walk-through. He announced expanded community risk reduction outreach — smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm installs, child-seat installations, hands-only CPR training and station tours — and urged residents to call the department for free smoke-alarm assistance.

During Q&A, council members asked about mental-health supports for first responders; Dove said peer support, chaplain services and an employee assistance program exist but acknowledged post‑employment services are an ongoing challenge. Council member Thompson moved to accept the report; colleagues praised staff work and the motion was approved.