Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department
The Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department is an all-hazards organization serving the fourth largest County in the state of Tennessee. We are a progressive, citizen-first Department with highly trained personnel.
The mission of the Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department is to provide the highest quality of services to residents and visitors through commitment to training, leadership and professionalism with integrity, teamwork and dedication.
Department History
Prior to 2010, fire protection in Rutherford County outside municipal city limits was provided by 11 all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit fire departments. These departments were not associated with the County and provided fire protection services under contract with Rutherford County to their respective districts.
In 2010, the County Government created a County-wide fire department merging several of these volunteer organizations under a new County agency. Between 2010 and 2014, The Rutherford County Fire Department continued to operate as a volunteer fire department with Fire Chief. In 2014, the County was awarded a SAFER grant allowing for the hiring of the first 12 full-time Firefighters (4 per shift with 3 shifts). At that time, the Rutherford County Fire-Rescue Department operated out of one station on Barfield Road. With the merger of the Walter Hill Volunteer Fire Department, a second full-time station was added in 2016. In 2019, Rutherford County EMS Special Operations was merged with Rutherford County Fire Rescue adding a third full-time station.
In 2020-2021, The County Commission approved the construction of six new Public Safety Buildings. The first two of these six buildings are scheduled for completion in late 2022/early 2023 with 30 personnel slated to be hired to staff them.
The Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department continues to grow to meet the high demand for services in one of the State's fastest growing counties.
News
Changes to Fire Marshal's Office Permit Fee Schedule
**Effective July 1, 2023** a new fee schedule will be implemented for certain fire construction and operational permits.
You can view the adopted changes to the fee scheduled HERE.
Cummings Graduates from Rutherford County Fire and Rescue Training
Rutherford County – TN (09/18/2023) Rutherford County Fire and Rescue Firefighter(RCFR) Brian Cummings graduated from Recruit Training on September 18, 2023.
Cummings began with RCFR Recruit Class 23-01 in January 2023, where he sustained an injury during week five of training and was unable to graduate with the class on April 21, 2023.
Captain Dustin Sinclair said, “After suffering an injury during training, Brian would unfortunately miss too many important skill sessions and would not be able to graduate with Class 23-01. When our cadre met with Brian and informed him that he would not be graduating with his class, we gave him two options. First, he could discontinue his time in the academy, or he could stay and make up all classes missed while on shift, however, the understanding was he would have over 7 weeks of make-up work and skills to perform. Brian chose to stay after much consideration. Although he didn’t graduate, Brian demonstrated an effort during the final weeks of the academy that could be compared to a warrior fighting to stay alive. I knew this man had heart, and that’s something we cannot teach. That is an attribute we can only feed. Brian has been a part of A-Shift since the end of his fire academy, and in the last 4 months, he has gone through every skill multiple times and wears the mantra of “Don’t do it until you get it right, do it until you can’t get it wrong” proudly. This department is extremely blessed to have him as part of our family. I’m honored to finally stand next to Brian and say: Congratulations and well done, brother!”
Commander John Ingle, A-Shift said, “Since the completion of the 2023 Recruit Academy, FF Brian Cummings has been assigned to A-Shift. During this time, he has worked with every station and the constant feedback is the same, Brian is a go-getter, eager to learn, a hard worker, and many other positive comments. Brian has worked tirelessly to make sure he caught up on the skills he missed while he was injured. While on shift, Brian has worked hard to learn his job and be a key part of the team. Crews enjoy working with him and being assigned to a crew with him. Brian has a no-quit attitude and is always looking to improve. Brian will have a long and successful career in the fire service.”
Chief Larry Farley said, “ We are happy to celebrate Cummings and are proud of his hard work and dedication as he overcame his injury to achieve his childhood dream.”
The RCFR Training program includes 627 hours of classroom instruction, field exercises, and units on physical training, forceful entry, hazmat extrication, and live burns.
Victim Identified in Arnold Road Fire
Rutherford County- TN (08/21/2023) The victim of the Friday night fire has been identified as Kyle McAfee, 67 who lived at 8888 Arnold Road, Christiana.
Friday, August 18, 2023 around 8:00 pm crews from Rutherford County Fire Rescue, Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the residential structure fire in the 8000 block of Arnold Road. One victim perished in the fire.
The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation as to the cause of the fire
(###)
Fatal Fire on Arnold Road
Rutherford County- TN (08/19/2023) One person died in a house fire Friday night at the 8000 block of Arnold Road, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department reported.
The victim’s name is being withheld pending positive identification.
Two firefighters sustained non-life threatening injuries and were treated at the scene.
The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the fatal house fire with assistance from investigators from the City of Murfreesboro Fire Marshal’s Office.
RCFR, Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department responded to the residential structure fire.
Emergency crews arrived on the scene to find a manufactured home with heavy fire and smoke visible. Crews worked quickly to search the home and extinguish the fire.
During search and extinguishment efforts, one victim was located within the home and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Additional scene support was provided by StormPoint Emergency Response and Coffee County Volunteer Fire Department.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
(###)
Eight People Displaced in Aurora Drive Fire
Rutherford County - TN (02/14/2023) Eight people were displaced as a result of a fire this morning on Aurora Drive near Murfreesboro, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department reported. No injuries were sustained.
RCFR, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residential structure fire just after 3:00 am. Units found heavy fire coming from the front and rear of the house. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and determined the occupants of the house were out.
Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
(###)
Victim Identified in Snell Road Fire
Rutherford County - TN (02/13/2023) The victim of the Thursday fire has been identified as Obie Shipp, 68 who lived at 3701 Snell Road, Murfreesboro.
Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at 9:38 p.m. crews from Rutherford County Fire Rescue, Rutherford County Emergency Services, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the 3700-block of Snell Road for a residential structure fire. One victim and three pets perished in the fire.
The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation as to the cause of the fire.
(###)
Fatal Fire on Snell Road
Rutherford County - TN (02/10/2023) One person and three pets died in a house fire Thursday night at the 3700-block of Snell Road, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department reported.
The victim’s name is being withheld pending next of kin notification.
One firefighter sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries and was later discharged.
RCFR is investigating the cause of the fire.
RCFR, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department responded to the residential structure fire.
A RCFR Engine Company arrived within three minutes and received reports of someone still in the home with heavy smoke and fire visible. They worked quickly to search the residence and extinguish the fire.
During search and extinguishment efforts, one victim was located within the home and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three pets were also found in the house deceased. Crews from Middle Tennessee Electric disabled power to the residence.
The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the fatal house fire with assistance from investigators from the Murfreesboro and LaVergne Fire Marshal’s Offices, Rutherford County Medical Examiner’s Office, and RCSO.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
(###)
RCFR Will Implement Fire Permitting Beginning January 1, 2022
Rutherford County, TN—(December 30, 2021) Rutherford County Fire Rescue (RCFR) will begin issuing fire permits on January 1, 2022.
The permits will allow applicants to maintain, store, or handle materials, conduct processes that produce conditions hazardous to life or property, install equipment utilized in connection with such activities, or install or modify any fire protection systems or equipment or any other construction, equipment installation or modification in accordance with the provisions of Rutherford County’s fire code (2018 International Fire Code).
“The implementation of fire permitting greatly assists the Fire Marshal’s Office in its mission to increase and enhance the life safety of businesses, patrons, and visitors of Rutherford County businesses by ensuring that the necessary plans are submitted for review and the needed fire code inspections are performed,” explained Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders. “It also allows the Fire Marshal’s Office to obtain specific data on the types fire protection equipment, fire alarm systems, and hazardous operations that are being conducted throughout the County thereby ensuring the safest environment possible.”
Sanders notes that the permits issued by RCFR apply to the unincorporated areas of Rutherford County only. “Cities and Towns may have their own permitting practices, so it is important to check with them for their requirements,” he added.
Required fire permits in Rutherford County by category :
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
- Fire Sprinkler Systems
- Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems (Hood suppression, clean agent, etc.)
- Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems
- Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
- Fire Pumps and Related Equipment
- Flammable & Combustible Liquid- Tank Installation/Modification/Removal
- Gates and Barricades across Fire Apparatus Access Roads
OPERATIONAL PERMITS
- Commercial Open Burning
- Explosives- Use/Storage/Manufacture
- Fire Watch Activities
- Storage of Flammable & Combustible Liquids (includes above-ground tanks)
- Hazardous Materials Storage
- High Piled Storage
- Liquid- or Gas-fueled Vehicles or Equipment in Assemble Buildings
- Use/Storage/Dispensing of LP-Gas
- Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles (Food Trucks)
- Mobile Fuel-Dispensing Facilities
- Outdoor Assembly Events (over 1000 attendees)
- Private Fire Hydrants
- Temporary Membrane Structures and Tents
- Vehicle Repair Garages
Adoption of this permitting system was approved by the County’s Public Safety Committee in October 2021, was presented to the Steering and Budget Committees in November, and was ultimately approved by the full County Commission at the November 2021 meeting.
Permits will be available online through the County’s Cityworks portal in the very near future. A schedule of fees for the various types of permits will also be available on the portal.
For more information, please contact RCFR Fire Marshal’s Office at 615-907-3600 Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.