University of Notre Dame Fire Department

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Notre Dame, IN
University of Notre Dame Fire Department

For emergencies on campus, please call 574-631-5555 or 911.

This is the official page for the University of Notre Dame Fire Department in Notre Dame, Indiana. ***Official Page of the University of Notre Dame Fire Department***

Serving three colleges and 15,000 citizens – and a population that swells to over 100,000 during a football game – the members of the University of Notre Dame Fire Department (NDFD) devote a significant portion of their liv

es by working 24 hours shifts to safeguard the Notre Dame Community. As a full service life-safety agency, NDFD is a vital component of the University’s mission to provide a safe environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. Serving since 1879, NDFD has evolved from volunteers responding when the alarm sounded to a professional department that seeks to prevent fires through public education, fire code inspections, fire protection system maintenance, as well as, being trained and equipped in order to be able to respond to the 1500 calls for service we receive annually.

06/02/2026

Ever wondered how much water actually blasts out of those red hydrants when we need them? It is a lot. Trust us.

We are out on campus flow testing them. It is one of those routine things we do to make sure everything works exactly when it needs to. Seconds count in an emergency and we need to know the pressure is right.

06/01/2026

Our Notre Dame Police and Fire departments work closely together every day to keep our campus secure. But did you know that the most important first responder on campus might actually be you? 🤝📱

For National CPR and AED Awareness Week, NDPD and NDFD are teaming up to highlight a tool that puts life-saving power right in your pocket: the PulsePoint App.

Every single AED on our campus is mapped and loaded directly into the PulsePoint system. Once you download the free app to your phone, it does some incredible things:

📍 Locates the nearest life-saver: In an emergency, PulsePoint uses your location to show you a digital map directing you to the closest campus AED.
🗺️ Works nationwide: It doesn't just work under the Golden Dome. If you are traveling, at home for the summer, or visiting family, the app will connect you to registered AEDs anywhere in the country.
🚨 Bystander empowerment: It helps everyday citizens coordinate with professional dispatch, bridging the gap between when an emergency happens and when our emergency vehicles arrive on scene.

Safety is a shared responsibility, and having this app on your phone is an easy way to look out for your friends, colleagues, and campus visitors.

05/29/2026

30 years in the fire service means Captain Richard Franco has seen absolutely everything.

He spent over a decade fighting fires down in sunny Key West before bringing his talents to South Bend. He started here at NDFD back in 2017, and he climbed the ranks to Captain by 2022. If you ever need someone who knows how to handle a high-angle rescue or a hazardous material situation, Captain Franco is literally the expert.

When he is off the clock, he is usually hanging out with his kids. Or trying to keep up with his German Shepherd.

05/28/2026

Did you know that you are walking around the oldest university-based fire department in the entire United States?

NDFD was officially founded way back in November 1879, right after the devastating fire that destroyed the original Main Building.

Before that, a small group of Holy Cross Brothers basically just ran around with water buckets and axes they kept in a shed next to the campus dog kennel.

We have upgraded the equipment quite a bit since the bucket brigade days, but we are proud to keep that 145-year legacy going every single day.

05/25/2026

Today is a reminder to slow down for a second. We are honoring the incredible courage of the men and women who gave everything for this country.

While our firefighters are holding down the fort on campus today, we are carrying that gratitude with us. We hope you can find a moment of reflection in between your plans today too.

05/20/2026

You might see our fire trucks rolling through campus every day, but behind those big red rigs is a team of licensed EMTs ready for your absolute worst moments.

It is National EMS Week. We want to take a second to shout out the crew that handles everything from sudden sports injuries on South Quad to serious medical emergencies. They have your back 24/7, 365 days a year.

05/19/2026

Now is the perfect time for a quick "spring cleaning" of our office spaces. Did you know that communal breakrooms are one of the most common spots for minor electrical hazards on campus?

Before you brew that next cup of coffee, here is a quick 3-point checklist to keep your department safe:
1️⃣ One plug, one outlet: High-draw appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall, not into power strips or extension cords.
2️⃣ Give them breathing room: Make sure breakroom appliances have enough clearance around them so they don't overheat.
3️⃣ Unplug the unused: If your department is rotating hybrid schedules or taking summer vacations, unplug non-essential electronics before you leave for the week.
If you spot a sketchy outlet or a frayed cord in your building, don't ignore it. Submit a work order or give our Campus Fire Safety team a call. We are always happy to swing by and take a look!

05/17/2026

Congratulations to the incredible Class of 2026.

Your dedication and hard work have officially paid off, and it has been our privilege to ensure a safe environment for you to learn, live, and thrive over the years.

We wish you the absolute best as you take this next big step, and we encourage you to stay safe, keep looking out for one another, and continue to make us proud!

05/15/2026

Happy International Family Day from all of us at the Fire Department.

Most people see the trucks and the gear, but behind the bay doors, this crew is a family. We cook together, train together, and look out for one another just like any other household. That bond is what keeps us ready to go when the alarm sounds.

The best part? That family feeling doesn't stop at the station walls. It extends to every dorm, classroom, and corner of this campus. Whether you are a student miles away from your hometown or a longtime staff member, you are part of the Notre Dame family, and we take care of our own.

05/13/2026

As we roll through National Electrical Safety Month, we want to help you tackle that "under-the-desk" cord mess that’s been growing since the fall semester. With a little more breathing room on campus this month, it is the perfect time for a quick office safety tune-up.

Before you tuck those cords away, run through this quick checklist:
🔌 Check your surge protectors: Make sure your power strips have built-in surge protection (look for the "UL" safety label on the back). If a power strip is warm to the touch or dusty, it is time for a replacement.

💨 Give them room to breathe: Avoid pinching power cords behind heavy filing cabinets or running them under desk rugs. Damaged insulation inside the cord is a major hidden hazard.

🚫 Say no to temporary cords: Standard extension cords are only meant for temporary use. If your desk setup can't reach an outlet safely without one, let's talk about finding a safer layout.

Address

100 Fire Station
Notre Dame, IN
46556

Telephone

+15746316200

Website

http://ndfd.nd.edu/

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