During the City Council Hearing on the FY2026 Budget, the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) Chief James Wallace highlighted critical updates and challenges facing the department, emphasizing the need for strategic investments in public safety. Chief Wallace reported a significant increase in emergency calls, with over 171,000 dispatched from July 2024 to May 2025, underscoring the growing demands on the department.

A key focus of the discussion was the ongoing staffing shortages in both fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS). Chief Wallace noted that the department is actively recruiting and enhancing retention efforts, particularly through partnerships with local schools to attract a diverse future workforce. He stressed the importance of these initiatives in ensuring that the department reflects the community it serves.

The Chief also addressed the rising number of fires in vacant properties, which pose unique risks to firefighters and the community. To combat this, the BCFD is refining its tactical approach to structure fires and enhancing pre-incident planning. This proactive strategy has already led to an 83% reduction in fire ground injuries compared to the previous year.

In light of the upcoming storm season, the department is ramping up its community outreach efforts, including canvassing neighborhoods to encourage residents to sign up for the "Be More Alert" emergency notification system. This initiative aims to keep citizens informed about significant weather events, especially as federal funding for flood mitigation becomes uncertain.

Chief Wallace concluded by expressing gratitude for the support from Mayor Brandon Scott and the City Council, which has enabled critical infrastructure improvements and technological upgrades within the department. As the BCFD prepares for future challenges, it remains committed to innovation and community engagement, ensuring that Baltimore's public safety services evolve to meet the needs of its residents.