Dover Fire Dept.

In 1869, the town of Dover purchased "40 fire buckets, six ladders, and four fire hooks for the use of the Town in case of a fire." W.D. That lot is now vacant.

Organized in 1882, the Fire Department has served for over 140 years and has grown into a modern department with 250 members, five dispatchers, and a Fire Administrative Manager dedicated to protecting life and property in the Capital of the First State. In 1869, the Town purchased a hook and ladder apparatus "at a cost not to exceed $260." The purchase was made and the truck brought to Dover on D

ecember 23, 1869. Two bad fires, the Wilmington Conference Academy (now Wesley Junior College) in 1876 and the Capitol Hotel (now offices on State Street) in 1879 started a demand by the citizens for a fire company. The Town owned the hook and ladder truck purchased in 1830 and the hand pumper, now displayed in the Delaware State Museum in Dover. The sum of $1,500 was raised by popular subscription towards the purchase of two hose carriages and other equipment. These carriages were named the "Robbins" and the "Dover" and along with the ladder truck were housed in a shed on North Street. Thirteen years later, in November 1882, seventeen men met in the Old Fellows Hall, which was located on the second floor of a building on Loockerman Street. One dollar was collected from each man present and the treasury for "Robbins Hose Company" was established. The name Robbins comes from James W. Robbins (1831-1876) who died six years before Robbins Hose was officially organized but apparently had been generous and interested member of the local fire brigade. He was a partner in the firm of Richardson & Robbins, Inc., a company that was once a vital part of the business and social community of Dover. Eldad Clark was elected the first President of the Fire Company and five committeemen were appointed to draft a set of bylaws and a constitution, which were later adopted. Walls was the first Chief Engineer. The company had been active before 1882, but things really started rolling for the firemen after their official organization. The first fire of record was on January 28, 1883, a small house on the road to Little Creek. 1883 was a busy year. A committee was appointed to visit the State Legislature in an effort to obtain appropriation. Their efforts were successful and the company was granted $200 and an act of Incorporation on January 25, 1883. A new firehouse was built on a lot purchased for $550. The present firehouse, which was built in 1922 and expanded in 1948, is, located a short distance away on the east side of Governors Avenue.

06/07/2026

Over the past several weeks, members of the Dover Fire Department have reached important milestones in their educational and professional journeys, graduating from high school, college, the Dover Police Academy and the Delaware State Fire School Fire Academy.

We would like to take a moment to recognize and congratulate all of our graduates, whether earning a high school diploma, completing a college degree, the Dover Police Academy or graduating from the Delaware State Fire School Fire Academy, each achievement reflects dedication, perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to personal growth and service for others.

We are proud of everything these members have accomplished and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make within our department and community.

Congratulations to all of our graduates on this outstanding achievement!

05/26/2026

Cheswold House fire, May 24,2026, Stardust Drive, Second Due Engine, First Due Special

05/12/2026

One team. One mission! 🚓🚒🚑

Dover Police Department-Delaware, Dover Fire Dept. and Ambulnz by DocGo - Dover EMS Division standing together serving our community. No matter the patch on our sleeves, these agencies operate as one to keep the City of Dover safe every day.

05/02/2026

Old Dover Days Festivities are underway on Legislative Mall.

Come see us today! We are at the corner of Federal and Martin Luther King Blvd.

Our tent is set up with fire extinguisher giveaways

Recruitment flyers and more !!!

04/25/2026

The Officers and Members of the Dover Fire Department would like to take a moment in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Riale on their marriage. That took place Friday, April 24th in Bowers Beach. The couple were married by our President who is an Ordained Minister Eric Dawson. Congratulations !!!!

04/24/2026

On Thursday, April 23rd, our firefighters proudly participated in a community outreach event for the Department of Transportation’s “Take Your Kids to Work Day.”
It was a great opportunity to connect with local families, give kids a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, and share important safety tips. We always enjoy inspiring the next generation and strengthening our community relationships.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!

04/23/2026

On Friday, April 17th at 9:40 PM, Engine 1 assisted the Cheswold Fire Company on a structure fire in the Lakeshore Village development.

The fire was quickly extinguished by the first arriving units and the scene was placed under control at 10:12 PM.

Stations responding American Legion (64), Kent County Paramedics, Citizens Hose (44), Leipsic Fire (53) and Dover Fire (46).

04/08/2026

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at approximately 5:30 PM, the Dover Fire Department, along with multiple mutual aid fire companies, were dispatched to a working house fire in the 200 block of Greenwich Drive.

Upon arrival, crews found fire showing from a two-story single-family residence. An adult and a juvenile victim were transported from the scene by Delaware State Police Aviation to area hospitals, where they are listed in critical condition. A third patient was evaluated on scene.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office responded and is investigating the incident.

Units responding included: Dover Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 1, Squad 1, Engine 43-2, Engine 43-3, Tanker 53, Tower 45, Ladder 44, Engine Company 54, multiple ambulances from City of Dover EMS, multiple medic units from Kent County Paramedics and Delaware State Police Aviation (Trooper 2 and Trooper 4).

04/02/2026

Please use caution in the area of the 300 Block of S. New St. as The Dover Fire Department and other agencies are conducting a joint training.

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Telephone

+13027367168

Website

http://www.doverfire.org/

Address

103 S Governors Avenue
Dover, DE
19904

Dover Fire Dept.

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