Fire Department

Before 1895, fire brigades from five factories in the city of Barberton provided the city’s fire protection. Over the years, the Barberton Fire Department has evolved to meet the public’s needs. The department is funded through the city’s income tax‑based General Fund and a 0.75 mill levy specifically for capital expenses.

As your Fire Chief, my priority is keeping the residents of Barberton safe and informed. Fire safety starts at home, and small steps taken today can prevent life‑threatening emergencies tomorrow. I encourage every household in our community to take a moment to review these important safety practices:

• Test your smoke detectors regularly. If they are more than seven years old, they may need to be replaced. If you need a detector installed, please complete the request form on this website.
• Establish a family meeting spot, one specific location outside your home where everyone will go in the event of an emergency.
• Call 9‑1‑1 immediately if an emergency occurs. Do not assume someone else has already called.
• Space heaters need space. Keep at least three feet of clearance around them and plug them directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords with space heaters.
• Sleep with your bedroom door closed. This simple step can slow the spread of smoke and fire.
• During the winter months, please keep fire hydrants clear of snow and ice so our crews can access them quickly when seconds matter.

Thank you for taking the time to stay prepared and for helping us keep Barberton a safe place to live. Your efforts at home make a real difference for your family and for our community.

David Polacek
Fire Chief, City of Barberton