Fire
Welcome to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) is dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the environment through an all-hazards approach. Serving the residents, businesses, and visitors of Atlanta, Georgia, AFRD operates across five key divisions, in alphabetical order:
- Airport Fire Operations
- Emergency Medical Services
- Field Operations
- Support Services
- Technical Services
We are proud to be one of only 124 departments nationwide accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) with and to maintain a prestigious
Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO)—a reflection of our commitment to the highest standards in fire protection and emergency response.
Every day, the members of AFRD deliver exceptional service guided by our Standard of Response Coverage (SORC)—our pledge to meet the safety needs of Atlanta’s vibrant and growing community.
Every year, AFRD responds to hundreds of thousands of calls for service across Atlanta. We also safeguard the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, with five fire stations on-site to protect more than 1 million passengers from over 100 countries. Our reach extends to over 3,000 high-rise buildings, 23 miles of rapid rail, and 60 miles of interstate highways.
Beyond emergency response, AFRD is committed to proactive, community-centered programs that promote safety and well-being.
Leadership
Roderick M. Smith
Fire Chief
Department Of Fire
Fire Chief Roderick M. Smith is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of dedicated service to Atlanta Fire Rescue. Rising through every rank, he brings unmatched experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to protecting lives and property. Chief Smith has led the department through some of Atlanta’s most critical incidents, including the Fox Theater Fire, Fulton County Stadium Fire, and the I-85 bridge collapse. His contributions to fire service extend nationally through active roles in the Georgia Fire Chiefs Association, Black Chief Officers Committee, and Metro City Fire Chiefs. Chief Smith’s legacy is one of excellence, service, and enduring impact on Atlanta’s safety and resilience.
James McLemore
First Deputy Chief
Department Of Fire
The First Deputy Chief James McLemore is 2nd in Command of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. This position is responsible for providing executive level oversight to all of the day-to-day operations of the organization to include Administrative, Operations, Support & Technical Services, as well as the Airport Fire Division. The duties of this office include filling in for the fire chief, as needed, in dealings with the city administration as well as other entities. He has proudly served the citizens of Atlanta for greater than 28 years and has served in all ranks within the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Chief McLemore holds numerous certifications within the Fire Service.
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department provides prompt, quality services to our stakeholders that promote safety and well-being, enhance sustainability, and enrich the quality of life through professional development and dedication to service.
Atlanta Fire Rescue strives for excellence in emergency preparedness and response to enhance our customer focused, innovative role as industry leaders while overcoming expanding risks.
Innovative, Inclusive, Committed, Courageous, Excellence, Ethical, Professional, Transparent