The Charleston Fire Department was founded in 1882. Before that lives were saved and fires were suppressed by volunteer fire companies and slaves assigned to fire stations. Today the CFD is made up of over 250 firefighters and emergency medical first responders. The CFD also specializes in hazardous material mitigation, urban search and rescue and shipboard firefighting.  The CFD fleet is comprised of 19 companies including 3 ladder companies and 16 engine companies. The fire department also has many members trained to serve as COBRA team members who respond to haz-mat incidents all over the state when called. The CFD responds to approximately 6500 call per year and is very proud of the many thousands of dollars of dollars raised each year by the companies for the Carolina Children's Charity. The CFD has always been known for aggressive firefighting and raw courage on the fire ground and in the future will be known for the same augmented by state of the art equipment and cutting edge fire strategy and tactics.