The Ithaca Fire Department handled more emergency calls in 2025 than the year before, according to its newly released annual report, highlighting growing demands on firefighters, medics, and specialty rescue teams.
The report shows the department responded to 6,025 incidents in 2025, up from 5,597 in 2024, a 7.6 percent increase. Most calls involved rescue and emergency medical services, which accounted for the largest share of responses.
Rescue and EMS calls totaled 2,375 in 2025, while medical calls alone reached 230. Fire responses remained steady, with 133 incidents recorded during the year. Hazardous situations, alarms, public service calls, and “good intent” responses made up much of the remaining workload.
The department served both the City of Ithaca and much of the Town of Ithaca, covering 32 square miles and a population of about 85,000 people. About 75 percent of calls occurred in the city, with roughly 25 percent in the town.
The report also highlights the department’s prevention and education efforts. Firefighters conducted 763 fire safety and property maintenance inspections and held 45 public education events, reaching more than 5,500 residents during the year.
Budget figures included in the report show total fire department costs rising to about $14.3 million in 2025, a 14 percent increase from the prior year. Personnel costs, equipment, training, and insurance all contributed to higher spending.
Looking ahead, the department notes rising equipment, maintenance, and labor costs as ongoing challenges. At the same time, leadership says continued training, data-driven planning, and community engagement will remain priorities as call volumes increase.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].