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5 Critical Ways The Concord NH Fire Department Is Revolutionizing Fire Safety In 2025

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The Concord, New Hampshire Fire Department (CFD) is currently undergoing a significant modernization phase, ensuring the city's public safety infrastructure remains ahead of the curve as of December 21, 2025. This transformation is not just about new equipment; it represents a profound commitment to firefighter health, community resilience, and rapid emergency response across the Capital Region. From pioneering the use of cutting-edge, non-toxic gear to managing complex multi-vehicle accidents on major interstates, the CFD serves as a vital pillar of the community, offering a wide range of services far beyond traditional fire suppression.

Under the leadership of Chief John A. Chisholm, the department continues to showcase its dedication through strategic planning, advanced training, and a proactive approach to fire prevention. The recent focus on replacing critical equipment and addressing long-term infrastructure needs highlights a fresh, forward-thinking strategy designed to protect both Concord's citizens and its dedicated first responders.

Meet the Leadership: Concord Fire Department Command Staff

The Concord Fire Department is led by a dedicated team of professionals committed to maintaining the highest standards of public safety and emergency medical services (EMS). The current command staff oversees operations, administration, and training for all five fire stations and various specialized units.

  • Fire Chief: John A. Chisholm
    • Appointment: Named Fire Chief in November 2022, after serving as Deputy Fire Chief.
    • Role: Oversees all departmental operations, strategic planning, and is the primary liaison with the Public Safety Board and city government.
    • Key Initiatives: Instrumental in the department's move toward replacing primary gear with PFAS-free alternatives and leading the push for a new fire station initiative.
  • Deputy Chief - Administration: Mick Costello
  • Deputy Chief - Operations: Mark Hebert
  • Battalion Chief: The on-duty Battalion Chief oversees all Central Station operations, including the city's only staffed ladder truck, Tower 1.

1. A National First: Pushing for PFAS-Free Firefighter Safety

One of the most groundbreaking and critical initiatives currently underway at the Concord Fire Department is the complete replacement of its primary turnout gear. The department is among the first in the nation to approve a major investment in PFAS-free turnout gear.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known as "forever chemicals" and have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, which poses a significant occupational hazard to firefighters. The Concord City Council approved $305,000 to replace all 92 sets of the department's primary gear, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for firefighter health. This move drastically reduces the exposure risk for Concord's first responders, setting a powerful precedent for other fire departments nationwide.

2. Major Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrades on the Horizon

The CFD is actively planning for a significant overhaul of its apparatus and facilities, as outlined in recent city budget forecasts. This strategic spending is essential for maintaining a high level of service in a growing city.

Future Apparatus and Station Initiatives

  • New Fire Engine: The city's budget includes a substantial allocation of over $1 million for the purchase of a new fire engine. This new vehicle will replace an aging unit, ensuring the department has reliable, state-of-the-art equipment for fire suppression efforts.
  • New Fire Station Discussion: The department has been involved in discussions regarding a potential new fire station initiative. This proposal aims to optimize response times and better serve developing areas of Concord, reflecting a commitment to long-term public safety infrastructure.
  • General Equipment Updates: An additional $1.8 million is earmarked for general updates to the city's fleet, ensuring all emergency vehicles and support equipment are modern and fully functional.

3. Recent High-Profile Incidents and 2025 Emergency Response

The Concord Fire Department’s dedication is constantly tested by real-world emergencies. Recent incidents from 2025 highlight the intensity and diversity of the calls the department handles, from complex highway rescues to tragic residential fires.

Key 2025 Incidents

  • I-89 Multi-Accident Response (February 28, 2025): The CFD was dispatched to a complex scene involving multiple accidents on Interstate 89 Southbound between Exits 3 and 2. This type of incident requires coordinated efforts for extrication, traffic management, and emergency medical services (EMS), often in challenging conditions.
  • Residential Fire Fatalities: The department, working alongside the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, investigated several tragic residential fires in 2025. These include incidents in July and November 2025 where victims were identified. These investigations are crucial for determining cause and origin, and for informing future fire prevention programs.
  • Fatal Fire at Central Station (September 4, 2025): A separate report mentioned a fatal fire incident near the Concord Central Station, underscoring the constant threat of fire in the community and the bravery of the firefighters stationed there.

These incidents underscore the critical role of the department's specialized resources, including Tower 1 (the city's only staffed ladder truck) and Ambulance 1, both housed at the Central Fire Station.

4. Comprehensive Services and Mutual Aid Networks

The Concord Fire Department is a full-service agency, providing fire suppression, advanced emergency medical services, and a host of specialized technical rescue capabilities. The department's reach extends beyond the city limits through critical mutual aid agreements.

Operational Entities and Partnerships

  • Fire Suppression: Managed across five key stations: Headquarters (24 Horseshoe Pond Lane), Central Fire Station (150 North State Street), Broadway Fire Station (15 Broadway Street), Heights Fire Station (127 Heights Road), and Manor Fire Station (Station 5 at 46 Village St).
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS): A core service provided by the department's personnel and apparatus, including the dedicated ambulances at each station.
  • Central NH Hazardous Materials Response Team: For incidents requiring specialized equipment or tactics involving hazardous materials, the CFD activates this regional team, demonstrating its capability to handle complex chemical and biological threats.
  • Capital Area Mutual Aid Fire Compact: Concord plays a vital role in this compact, which provides 24/7 emergency dispatch services to member communities through the CFD's Communications Center. This regional cooperation ensures seamless and rapid response across Central New Hampshire.

5. Advancing Community Resilience and Training in 2024/2025

A focus on prevention, training, and community outreach forms the backbone of the CFD's long-term strategy. The department actively participates in state and national programs to enhance its readiness and the public's safety awareness.

Key Programs and Training Initiatives

  • 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP): The city's HMP was officially approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in May 2024. This plan is crucial for identifying risks and developing strategies to reduce the impact of future natural and man-made hazards on the Concord community.
  • Partners in Training Crew Training: In July 2024, the Concord Fire Department hosted this significant training event in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). Such events are vital for continuous professional development and sharing best practices in the fire service.
  • Fire Safety Education: The department works with local institutions, such as the University of New Hampshire (UNH), to provide basic fire safety instruction and training to students and staff, promoting a culture of prevention.
  • Annual Report to the Public Safety Board: Chief Chisholm regularly presents the department's accomplishments and challenges, ensuring transparency and accountability to the city's governing bodies. The 2024 Annual Report detailed the year's achievements and strategic goals for 2025 and beyond.

The Concord NH Fire Department remains a highly active and modern force, dedicated to protecting the city. The combined efforts in equipment modernization, the pioneering adoption of PFAS-free gear, and strategic infrastructure planning solidify its position as a leader in New Hampshire's emergency services landscape.

5 Critical Ways the Concord NH Fire Department is Revolutionizing Fire Safety in 2025
fire department concord nh
fire department concord nh

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