Kentwood Fire Department reports 5,507 responses in 2025; average response time 4 minutes 34 seconds

The Kentwood Fire Chief presented an abbreviated 2025 annual report to the City Commission highlighting response volumes, prevention outreach and training.

Chief said the department responded to 5,507 runs in 2025 (up from 5,331 the prior year), with 168 fire responses and 3,745 emergency medical service calls. The department performed 3,216 inspections, completed 291 plan reviews and installed 965 smoke alarms last year. The chief said those installs included carbon-monoxide detector work that likely prevented at least two fatalities.

The department reported roughly 10,000 training hours and the new training center has been used by area academies. Chief presented heat maps showing call concentrations (single-family and multifamily dwellings, Woodland Mall and several apartment complexes) and described typical daily and hourly trends. He said the department's average response time remains strong at about 4 minutes, 34 seconds from the three fire-station footprint.

Chief also flagged several notable incidents from the year, including a vehicle fire fatality, multiple structure fires and a December carport fire with 11 vehicles involved. He noted some recurring inspection concerns at local businesses (blocked exits, electrical panel issues) and reiterated the department's public-education programs.

Commissioners praised the report; the commission voted to receive and file the annual report. The chief thanked staff who prepared the packet and emphasized the value of ongoing prevention work and the training center.