The Portage Fire Department is a full-time, career fire service proudly staffed by 65 dedicated firefighters. We provide comprehensive fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the nearly 38,000 residents of Portage, Indiana.
Each summer, our city experiences a significant increase in visitors drawn to our beautiful Lake Michigan beachfront. Our coverage area spans a diverse mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and industrial zones throughout Northwest Indiana! This ensures safety and rapid response across the entire community.
All Portage Fire Department vehicles are fully outfitted with advanced life-saving equipment and are staffed by highly trained firefighter-paramedics. This level of readiness allows us to provide emergency medical care that rivals what is available in a hospital setting, right at the scene.
Whether responding to a medical emergency in a home, a traffic accident on the highway, or an incident at one of our public spaces, our crews are equipped to begin critical interventions immediately. From administering life-saving medications to performing advanced airway management and cardiac monitoring, we bring expert-level care directly to those in need.
Learn about our Stations!
Station 1 – Swanson Road Headquarters
Opened in 2001, Station 1 serves as the central hub of the Portage Fire Department. Located at 3401 Swanson Road, this modern facility houses not only our administrative staff, but also two key frontline response units: Ladder 1 and Rescue 1. As our busiest and most strategically located station, it plays a critical role in our daily operations, emergency response coordination, and community engagement efforts. Station 1 stands as a symbol of our department’s commitment to providing professional, efficient, and compassionate service to the residents and visitors of Portage.
Station 2 – Old Porter Road Response Center
Established in 1978, Station 2 is one of the longest-serving stations in the Portage Fire Department. Located at 6275 Old Porter Road, this facility is home to Engine 2, Rescue 2, and Marine 3. Marine 3 plays a vital role in our water rescue operations, transporting our highly trained dive team to the Portage Marina and responding to water-related emergencies throughout the county. With a strategic location and specialized equipment, Station 2 enhances our ability to provide rapid, effective response across both land and water environments.
Station 3 – Central Avenue Operations Center
Station 3 is the newest addition to the Portage Fire Department, reflecting our continued growth and commitment to providing top-tier emergency services. Located at 6300 Central Avenue, this state-of-the-art facility is home to Engine 3, Rescue 3, Tower 3, and Fire 5. Designed with modern infrastructure and advanced technology, Station 3 strengthens our operational capabilities and ensures we are well-equipped to serve the expanding needs of the Portage community with speed, efficiency, and professionalism.