Kingsport Fire Department releases 2025 Annual Report
The Kingsport Fire Department responded to more than 7,400 incidents last year, with roughly 77% of the call being medical related. The department increased its response time in 2025 by nearly one minute year over year and completed more than 30,000 hours of training across all divisions.
These were just some of the noteworthy statistics found in this year’s annual report by the Kingsport Fire Department.
The KFD recently issued its annual report, which provides a brief history of the department, the highlights and major accomplishments of the previous year, along with the short term and long term goals of the department.
According to the annual report, firefighters responded to more than 7,400 incidents during 2025 with just over 5,700 being medical related. The report shows the number of structure fires and vehicle fires both dropped last year, the average response time improved by a minute and one fire related death occurred in the city during 2025.
Kingsport Fire Chief Jerry DeBerry said the department made significant strides in advancing its mission of service excellence and customer-focused interactions.
“A strong emphasis was put on training, and more specifically, fundamentals of firefighting to ensure our members are prepared for any emergency they may face,” DeBerry said. “Moving into 2026 and beyond we’re focusing on long-term sustainability with equipment, apparatus and facilities, so we’re positioned to be a leader in the arena of emergency services.”
Major achievements by the KFD in 2025:
- Additional equipment and personnel added to Truck 1
- Former HazMat unit activated for Technical Rescue Team.
- Fire Station 1 admin offices & fire marshal’s office remodeled
- Construction started on new live fire training building
- Completed Citizens Fire Academy for 2025
- Continued large scale tabletop drills for school incidents.
Statistical information:
- Firefighters responded to 7,446 incidents.
- Number of structure fires – 46 (loss of $2.2 million)
- Number of vehicle fires – 29 (loss of $165,650)
- Number of medical calls – 5,756
- Number of fire related deaths – 1
- Number of inspections – 2,409
- Average response time – 8:39
- Total fire loss – approximately $3.38 million
- Hours of training completed – More than 30,000
More than 60,000 adults and children participated in Community Risk Reduction presentations and activities. The KFD inspected and consulted on 273 child passenger seats and instructed them in the proper installation.
Kingsport is one of 32 communities across the state that enjoys an ISO rating of 2 and 2Y. Only seven communities in Tennessee have an ISO rating of 1. The Kingsport Fire Department has 118 personnel working in eight fire stations, serving a population of more than 57,500 residents living within 53 square miles.
To view the entire annual report, please visit https://bit.ly/3RVnudS.
