The Charleston Fire Department proudly protects 54,000 people who live in an area of 33 square miles among the green hills and valleys surrounding the Kanawha and Elk Rivers. Charleston is the Capital of West Virginia and is the state's largest, most populous city. Three interstates converge in Charleston, Interstates 64, 77 and 79, linking the Midwest cities to those in the North, East, and South. The metropolitan area surrounding Charleston is much larger, with more than 200,000 people commuting into the city for work and recreation.

The Charleston Fire Department has an ISO rating of two and operates out of nine stations with 196 paid professionals. These stations house nine Engine Companies, two Ladder Companies, two Rescue Companies and four Advanced Life Support Ambulance Units. The Fire Department is also home to the West Virginia Regional Response Team Task Force One and houses Building Collapse and Hazardous Materials Units. The members of the department are specially trained in fire fighting, emergency medical services, vehicle rescue, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and water rescue.

                Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Charleston Fire Department to provide maximum protection of life and property through the prevention and extinguishment of fires, provision of Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Material response and Mitigation, Rescue, and performance of any other services to the citizens of Charleston that may be required to ensure a safe community.