The Cleburne Fire Department (CFD) provides all-hazards emergency response to the City of Cleburne, Texas, located in Johnson County just south of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The department delivers fire suppression, advanced life support EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and water rescue services across its jurisdiction.
CFD operates out of three fire stations strategically located throughout the city, maintaining a modern fleet of engines, a ladder truck, medic units, wildland apparatus, and specialized rescue equipment. The department also preserves its heritage with a 1929 Seagrave pumper, kept as a historic piece.
Today, CFD is a recognized ISO Class 1 department, reflecting its high level of preparedness, training, and community protection. Its mission is focused on protecting life, property, and environment through professional service and continuous improvement.
1870s – Cleburne organized its first volunteer fire brigades as the city began to grow along the Santa Fe Railroad.
1880s – The first dedicated firehouse was established; early equipment consisted of hand-drawn hose carts and chemical wagons.
1929 – CFD received its iconic Seagrave pumper, which still exists today as an antique display piece.
Mid-1900s – Expansion of paid staff and the transition from volunteer to career-based fire service. Additional stations were built to serve the growing city.
1980s–1990s – Introduction of advanced life support (ALS) ambulance service, bringing EMS operations directly under CFD management.
2000s – Fleet modernization included new Spartan ERV engines and improved brush/wildland response units.
2010 – Addition of a Spartan Gladiator/Crimson pumper for Engine 3, marking a new era of frontline apparatus.
2014 – Delivery of a Spartan ERV Gladiator for Engine 2.
2017 – New Spartan ERV Gladiator entered service as Engine 1.
2020 – Truck 1 placed in service: a Spartan ERV Gladiator MFD 105′ rear-mount ladder, the department’s most advanced aerial to date.
2022 – Order placed for a new Spartan ERV pumper to further upgrade frontline response.
August 2025 – Push-in ceremony celebrated the arrival of Engine 3 and Medic 2, strengthening both fire suppression and EMS capacity.
2025 – Department awarded an ISO Class 1 rating, recognizing its excellence in fire protection and emergency service delivery.
Future – CFD has four new ambulances on order, scheduled for delivery over the next three years, ensuring continued growth in EMS service.