The Eden Prairie Fire Department (EPFD) is operating under a new service delivery model designed to improve response times and better align with industry best practices.

The change includes the addition of full-time firefighters working alongside duty crew firefighters to support more consistent staffing at each of the City's four fire stations.

Under the new model, Fire Stations 1 and 2 will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents who live near these stations may notice an increase in activity as firefighters are on-site at all hours. Stations 3 and 4 will continue to be staffed in 24-hour shifts on a rotating basis.

Why the change?

The updated model follows a 2024 study that evaluated response times and service needs across the community. The study recommended gradually increasing full-time staffing to provide more consistent coverage.

The department began implementing these recommendations by adding 12 full-time firefighters over the past year. These positions are funded in part by a federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, which covers a portion of the salaries during the first four years of the transition.

Over the next eight to 10 years, EPFD plans to add additional full-time firefighters to expand 24/7 staffing to all four stations.

Full-Time and Duty Crew Working Together

While the department is increasing full-time staffing, duty crew firefighters continue to play a critical role and are essential to maintaining service across all stations.

“Moving to consistent 24/7 staffing at two of our four stations is an important step toward improving response times and strengthening service across Eden Prairie,” said Fire Chief Scott Gerber. “With full-time and duty crew firefighters working side by side, we’re better positioned to respond quickly when it matters most.”

Learn more about the EPFD at edenprairiemn.gov/Fire.