The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) was established by a public vote in 1983 to provide dedicated fire protection and emergency response services to the community. Today, the District responds to an average of 240 calls per year.

Our calls for service include a wide range of emergencies: structure fires, brush and wildland fires, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle crashes, ambulance assists, and more. Unlike many fire districts across Missouri, where fire-related calls make up a small fraction of total responses, nearly 40% of DCFPD’s annual call volume involves fire — significantly higher than the state average of just 5%.

This elevated level of fire activity underscores the importance of our ongoing training, preparedness, and commitment to protecting lives and property throughout our diverse district.

The Dent County Fire Protection District's mission is to provide the highest-quality, cost-effective fire and emergency services to all District residents. These services shall be provided equally throughout the District and at the behest of the District's citizens. The Dent County Fire Protection District shall uphold the standards in the conduct that reflect the values of the community. The District shall maintain accurate and complete records and strive for transparency and honesty in each endeavor.

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) covers approximately 120 square miles in Dent County, Missouri. Our service area includes the entire City of Salem, as well as an additional 6 to 7 miles in all directions beyond city limits.

Our district encompasses a diverse mix of land use, including farmland, dense woodland, heavy industry, commercial properties, and residential neighborhoods. This variety presents unique challenges and requires our firefighters to be prepared for a wide range of incidents — from structure fires and wildland responses to industrial accidents and medical calls. We are proud to serve such a diverse and resilient community.

The Dent County Fire Protection District is committed to maintaining a highly trained and capable team of firefighters. Our personnel are prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including structure fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, wildland fires, and medical assists.

The department holds two regular training sessions each month, ensuring that all members stay current on core firefighting skills and response protocols. In addition to these regular drills, we host specialized training opportunities throughout the year, covering topics such as propane emergencies, vehicle extrication, and live fire scenarios. Continuous training is a cornerstone of our mission to protect the community with professionalism, safety, and efficiency.

The Dent County Fire Protection District values strong connections with the community we serve. Our team frequently engages with the public through school visits, fire station tours, community events, and safety inspections at local facilities such as nursing homes.

Whether we’re teaching children about fire safety, participating in public events, or welcoming visitors into the firehouse, we’re committed to being a visible and approachable presence in the community.

If you're interested in scheduling a fire station tour or would like the DCFPD to participate in your upcoming event, we’d love to hear from you!