The department is comprised of approx. 70 line personnel and 1 secretary, and staffs 2 rescue/engines, 2 engines and 1 truck in 4 stations located throughout the city. The department also has a heavy rescue available if needed as well as 2 reserve engines and a reserve truck. The department also serves as the Hazardous Materials Response team for Blair County.

Organizationally, the department is divided into 4 "tricks" that each have an Asst. Chief and approx. 17 personnel, and is overseen by a Chief and Deputy Chief. Each 'trick' works 2 daylight shifts from 7am to 5pm, followed by 2 night shifts from 5pm to 7am, followed by 4 days off. This schedule is common throughout the United States and is a derivitive of the schedule worked by the Philadelphia Fire Dept.

In addition to the fire suppression activities and other hazard abatement functions common to many fire departments, the Altoona Fire Department plays an active role in fire prevention, fire safety, inspection, and other programs aimed at public safety. The Altoona Fire Department commonly presents fire safety programs at schools and local businesses, as well as teachs fire extinguisher classes for employees or other groups. The department also has a Juvenile Firestarter program aimed at working with children who show a tendency to start fires. Trained personnel work with the children on a one-to-one basis in order to resolve problems and identify reasons for firestarting behavior. For information on any of these programs, contact our office at 949-2230 between 8am and 3pm weekdays.