Our History
The Newcastle Fire Department was established in 1967 as an all-volunteer department. In 1997, the citizens of Newcastle passed a ½ cent sales tax dedicated to the fire department. The passage of the sales tax allowed 6 paid firefighters to be hired in January of 1998 providing emergency service 24 hours a day to Newcastle residents.
Our Team
With continued support from citizens, City Council, and City Management, the Newcastle Fire Department now operates from 3 stations with a staff of 19 paid and 10 volunteer firefighters providing fire suppression, basic emergency medical and rescue service, fire prevention, and other emergency/non-emergency services under the direction of Fire Chief Todd Yates.
The Newcastle Fire Department apparatus fleet currently consists of 4 engines, 1 tanker, 4 grass rigs, 1 hazmat trailer, 1 rescue trailer, 1 command unit, 1 staff unit and 2 utility vehicles. Personnel respond to an average of 1,200 calls per year from the community and surrounding departments requesting mutual aid assistance.
Serving Our Community
Dedicated to serving the community, fire department personnel participate in annual programs including Fire Prevention Week at local schools, daycare/ preschools facilities and the MDA Fill the Boot program. Newcastle firefighters participate in other programs throughout the year including Health-fairs at local clinics, July 4th celebration, the Mayor’s Light the Christmas Tree, Veteran’s Day memorial ceremony.