WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Fire Department released its annual statistics for 2025, reporting 8,244 total incidents, a 6% increase from the previous year.
The year was historic for the department. In June, Ohio County experienced historic, deadly flooding, and the fire department provided significant resources throughout the city and to neighboring areas across the county. A new rescue truck was put into service in the spring, replacing a 15-year-old vehicle. The department also hosted several training events, including a state training summit and two seminars for the West Virginia State Fire Marshals Association. The year concluded in September with the long-awaited opening of the department’s brand-new headquarters, following years of construction.
“We had highs and lows in 2025,” Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier said. “The June 14 flooding is not something we will soon forget and remains fresh in the minds of many. The fire department, working alongside numerous partner agencies, provided significant resources during the search, rescue, and recovery efforts. On a lighter note, we finally moved into our new headquarters in East Wheeling — a milestone of which so many should be proud. I thank every firefighter, staff member, and city and county partner for their efforts last year, and I look forward to serving again in 2026.”
Calls for service are categorized into nine areas: Fires; Overpressure/Overheat (no fire); Rescue/Medical/EMS Calls; Hazardous Conditions; Service Calls; Good Intent Calls; False Alarm/False Calls; Severe Weather; and Special Incidents.
Rescue, medical, and EMS-related incidents made up the majority of the department’s call volume, accounting for 66% of all calls. This category saw a 7% increase compared to the previous year, with 5,445 calls recorded in 2025 – a record for WFD.
Fire-related incidents declined slightly, decreasing by five calls from the previous year (95 in 2024 to 90 in 2025). On average, the Wheeling Fire Department responds to approximately 100 fire calls annually. Other categories, including service calls, false alarms, and hazardous condition calls, experienced increases, while all remaining areas either declined slightly or remained unchanged.
Looking ahead, the fire department will begin testing for probationary firefighters in early 2026. Additionally, the department is scheduled to receive a brand-new ambulance this summer.
TOTAL INCIDENTS: 8,244
Category Breakdown:
- Fire – 90
- Overpressure/Overheat (no fire) – 25
- Medical/EMS/Rescue – 5,445
- Hazardous Condition – 166
- Service Calls – 1,117
- Good Intent Calls – 521
- False Alarms/False Calls – 863
- Severe Weather – 10
- Special Incidents – 7
