Fort Smith Fire Department

06/01/2026

https://www.fortsmithar.gov/government/departments/fire/become-a-fire-fighter

06/01/2026

During the month of May, fire department personnel spent many cold hours in the water at Byrd's Adventure Center completing swift water rescue training. With the Arkansas River in our own backyard, plus the many streams and tributaries throughout the River Valley, this training ensures that your Fort Smith Fire Department is ready for the call.

05/04/2026

05/02/2026

5/2/2026, Chemical Spill in the area of 7000 Hwy 271. *updated*

Chemical Spill Contained, Cleanup Operations Ongoing

Emergency crews responded to a hazardous materials incident involving the release of approximately 125,000 gallons of sulfuric acid earlier today near 7000 Hwy 271. The incident was quickly identified, and specialized HazMat teams were deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, HazMat personnel assessed the situation and successfully contained the leak. Crews have initiated neutralization efforts using sodium bicarbonate to stabilize the product and reduce potential hazards.

Additional outside containment and environmental cleanup contractors have been notified and are enroute to assist with the safe collection, removal, and disposal of the material.

There have been no confirmed reports of injuries at this time. Air monitoring and environmental assessments are ongoing to ensure the safety of nearby residents and responders. As a precaution, the public is advised to continue avoiding the immediate area while operations continue.

*Original Post was updated to to accurately portray the approximate volume of the storage tank leak to 125,000 gallons not 25,000 gallons*

04/29/2026

Please join us in congratulating Anthony Knight, better known as “AK” to all at FSFD, on his retirement from the Fort Smith Fire Department after a successful 24-year, storied career.

AK was a friend to everyone, the kind of person you could always count on, whether it was on a tough call or just working around the station. He built strong relationships, earned the respect of those around him, and left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with.

AK, thank you for everything you’ve given to this department and the community. Wishing you a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.

03/23/2026

Thank you to Marvin Altman Fitness Center for allowing our personnel to use their facilities to train our Surface Water Rescue skills. With this training, our crews are now even more equipped to perform water rescues, safely and successfully, when called upon.

03/16/2026

This weekend, several of our firefighters had the opportunity to participate in a Special Olympics weightlifting fundraiser alongside fellow first responders and members of the military.

Events like this are a great reminder of how strong the first responder and military community is when we come together for a good cause. The competition was tough, the lifts were impressive, and most importantly it was all in support of Special Olympics athletes.

Thank you to everyone who came out, competed, and supported the event. We’re proud to be part of a community that shows up to give back.

Strong lifts for a strong cause.

02/21/2026

This morning, at shift change, crews have been dispatched and arrived to a Single story residential structure fire in the area of 5000 block of S. 31st street. First in apparatus reported heavy smoke showing. Crews are actively working on fire suppression.
Please avoid the area if possible.

02/12/2026

This morning, crews responded to a manufacturing plant for a fire in a storage hopper adjacent to the facility. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, and there were no injuries or significant property damage.

02/11/2026

Today we remember Fire Chief Phil Christensen and the lasting impact he had on all of us at the Fort Smith Fire Department.

Gone, but never forgotten.
February 11, 2023