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Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

DFRS History

DFRS History

​​​​​In 1953, two milestones occurred on the NIH Bethesda campus: the opening of the Clinical Center (CC) and the inception of the NIH Fire Department (NIHFD). The two events were interrelated, as leadership saw the need for its own protection from fires and medical emergencies. 

NIHFD has humble beginnings. Initially the department consisted of two full-time personnel and a single fire engine (equipped with water, a pump and hose lines) housed in the south campus maintenance area. This was augmented by a system of collateral-duty personnel from maintenance shops. These people volunteered for the additional duties and would be alerted by a bell system to report directly to an emergency while the engine responded from the fire station. 

​This arrangement covered only the weekday working hours. At other times, the Bethesda Fire Department served NIH. ​Within two years, the NIHFD staff increased to nine people working shifts and providing 24-hour coverage. In 1955, the first fire chief was named.

Over the years, NIHFD expanded its operations and is now a multi-service modern fire department equivalent to its municipal counterparts in surrounding cities and counties. Organizationally, NIHFD is in the Division of Fire & Rescue Services within the Office of Research Services in NIH's Office of the Director. 

During its early years, in addition to providing emergency response, NIHFD handled fire prevention services. As buildings became more complicated and emergency needs increased, fire prevention duties were separated and are now handled by the NIH Division of the Fire Marshal with a full staff of engineers and inspectors. Fire reporting has been modernized to an automatic electronic system, which reports to NIH's own 911 operations center under the NIH Division of Emergency Management.​​