General Overview
Since its founding, the Braidwood Fire Protection District has served as the cornerstone of safety for our community. What began as a volunteer department in the late 1800s has grown into a district that now responds to more than 2,000 emergency calls each year across 38 square miles. As our community grows and emergency calls increase, the District must look ahead to ensure we have the staffing, facilities and resources needed to continue delivering high-quality service.
Today, Braidwood Fire faces new realities that present a number of complex challenges we need to address to define how the district continues its proud tradition of service while preparing for the demands of tomorrow.
These challenges include:
Increasing demand for fire and emergency medical services.
Hiring more full-time firefighter/paramedics to serve the BFPD community
Recruiting and retaining qualified firefighter/paramedics.
Updating aging facilities and equipment
Ensuring firefighters have up-to-date training
Protecting large areas without a water supply
Securing stable funding for emergency services now and in the future
The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2024, the Braidwood Fire Protection District ran a total of 2,024 calls of service, including 1,076 EMS related calls, and 37 calls of service for fire-related emergencies. The rest of the calls are for a wide range of emergency requests. Last year saw calls continue to increase, with the Braidwood Fire Protection District running a total of 2,239 calls of service in 2025, including 1,165 EMS related calls, 35 calls of service for fire-related emergencies and the rest of the calls are for a wide range of emergency requests.
BFPD now needs the community’s help to address these challenges.
Planning for a Safer Future is a community-led process to bring Braidwood residents together in conversation as we work to develop a long-range plan to provide fire and emergency medical services in our community.
Members of the BFPD community are invited to participate in the Planning for a Safer Future workshops and help plan for the future of our fire district. Community members are welcome to attend any or all four workshops, beginning with the first session on Thursday, February 19 from 6-8 p.m. All workshops will be held at Reed-Custer Elementary School.
Dates and topics for each of the workshops are as follows:
February 19 from 6-8 p.m. – BFPD Fire 101
March 26 from 6-8 p.m. – A Deeper Dive into Fire, Rescue and Other Services
April 29 from 6-8 p.m. – Staffing and Finances
May 20 from 6-8 p.m. – Options/Recommendations for a Long-Term Plan
