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Kyle Dolton2025-05-15 10:53:572025-05-15 21:19:16510 Flats Fire Response Demonstrates Professionalism and Resilience
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Kyle Dolton
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Kyle Dolton2025-05-15 10:53:572025-05-15 21:19:16510 Flats Fire Response Demonstrates Professionalism and Resilience
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Mike Bullis
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Mike Bullis2025-03-31 19:19:022025-03-31 19:20:083-alarm fire in Bethlehem displaces residents, injures 2 firefighters
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Mike Bullis2025-01-25 19:08:092025-03-31 19:09:07Crews respond to Bethlehem home firesign up for our newsletter
Our Mission Statement
Bethlehem Firefighters IAFF Local 735 is dedicated to improving the safety, working conditions, and overall well-being of our members. We are committed to advocating for fair wages, hour, and benefits, while promoting unity and collective bargaining rights at all levels. Our mission includes fosteringstrong relationships amoung our members and enhancing the public’s understanding of the vital role we play in protecting our comminity. Together, we strive to ensure the highest of standards of service and saftey for both our firefighters and the citizens we proudly serve.
How we operate
Local 735 serves four platoons on a rotating schedule: two 9-hour day shifts followed by two 15-hour night shifts, then four days off. Union members attend meetings while off-duty to stay involved and informed. We’re also proud to support our community through public events, charitable drives, and local outreach efforts.
The City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and cultural significance. Covering an area of approximately 19 square miles, and it is home to a diverse population. One of Bethlehem’s most notable events is Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival. In 2023, Musikfest celebrated its 40th anniversary with a record-breaking attendance of 1,330,000 people, featuring over 450 performers from 26 states and eight countries.
EMS in the Local
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a critical component of public safety—when seconds count, our community depends on a rapid, skilled response. Since 2007, all members of our department have been required to hold EMT certification in order to meet Quick Response Service (QRS) standards.
While our firefighters do not staff ambulances directly, we support EMS operations in other essential ways. Ambulances are housed at Stations 1 and 6, and our personnel are responsible for driving these units to the hospital when needed. This integration was designed to expand coverage across a broader area of the city, enhancing service availability for residents.
At this time, paramedics are not represented under IAFF Local 735.
Hot & Cold Zones: How Well Does Bethlehem Meet NFPA 1710?
This map shows where the Bethlehem Fire Department is more or less likely to meet the NFPA 1710 travel time standard of 4 minutes for the first fire unit on low-hazard structure fires.
Using GIS analysis of our responses, clear patterns emerge: reduced station coverage and lower staffing mean slower response times.
A major turning point came after the Dewberry Fire Station closed in 2011. At that time, BFD staffed 22 firefighters per shift. Today we operate with only 18. Going from five stations to four increased travel distances and left large portions of the city without timely coverage, shown by widespread hot zones.
Over the years positions have been removed from the budget. Fewer firefighters mean slower responses, increased operational stress, and greater danger. Fire can double in size every minute, and every second matters.
Cold zones highlight where station coverage allows better response, but most of the city falls within hot zone areas.
Local 735 is committed to working with City Administration to improve staffing and coverage. We also believe residents deserve transparency about challenges impacting their safety.
As Bethlehem grows, investment in staffing and stations is essential. Meeting NFPA 1710 should not be optional. Our families, businesses, and visitors deserve timely, effective protection.
This analysis, along with what is being posted daily, was completed by the GIS Division of the International Association of Fire Fighters, a highly respected authority in the fire service.
Local 735 will continue advocating so every family receives the response they deserve. #IAFF #PPFFA #Local735 #BethlehemsBravest #staffingmatters 🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
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Members of the 4th Platoon rapidly got to work around 0115 hours today, preventing significant extension inside a vacant commercial structure on 3rd Street that sits directly adjacent to the Gateway at Greenway Park building on South New Street.
Due to staggered calls across the city from the inclement weather, initial response included Engines 1, 3, 6, Ladder 1, and Utilities 1 and 2. Upon upgrading to 2nd Alarm, Engines 5, 9 and Ladder 2 were added along with Bethlehem EMS. The fire was expeditiously brought under control, and all overhaul operations were terminated by 0230 hours. Shortly thereafter, 3rd Street was reopened to through traffic to restore normal flow.
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4th Platoon Crews are operating at a second alarm structure fire in the vicinity of E. 3rd and S. New Sts. Please remain clear of the area. #IAFF #ppffa #local735 #staffingmatters🔔🔔 ... See MoreSee Less
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“It hasn't been increased in almost 50 years”: Bethlehem Fire Dept. faces critical staffing shortages ... See MoreSee Less
“It hasn't been increased in almost 50 years”: Bethlehem Fire Dept. faces critical staffing shortages
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The Bethlehem Fire Department is struggling with a staffing shortage.3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Apartment Growth Is Good - But Fire Staffing Must Grow With It
Bethlehem has seen rapid construction of multi-story apartment buildings over the last five years including Five10 Flats, Six10 Flats, Linden Lofts, Boyd Theatre, The Armory, Wilbur Views, Chelsea Gardens, and many more. These buildings house thousands of our neighbors and bring new energy to our community.
But bigger, more complex buildings mean fires are more dangerous. National safety guidelines classify these as Medium Hazard structures, requiring at least 26 firefighters on scene within 8 minutes. Verified incident data from 2021–2024 shows Bethlehem meets this standard 0% of the time. The recent staffing study shows that with recommended staffing increases, we could reach 29% of the benchmark, a drastic improvement from the present.
Sprinklers help slow a fire, but they do not search for trapped occupants, control smoke, check for fire extension, or provide rescue or medical care. Only firefighters can do that. These buildings require enough personnel to attack the fire, search all units, support interior crews, manage ventilation, and protect neighboring residents.
Bethlehem is growing, and we’re proud of that. But our fire staffing must grow with it. We encourage residents to learn about this issue and speak up. Your voice matters. Together we can ensure Bethlehem remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.
Local 735 is committed to protecting every neighborhood in Bethlehem. Let’s get it done, together.
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Photos from Bethlehem Firefighters IAFF Local 735's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Earlier today at approximately 1155 hours, members of 4th Platoon responded to a reported MVA with Rollover and Entrapment on E 4th Street at Lynn. Engines 1, 3, 5, 6 and Ladder 1 responded with U2 in command. Crews worked efficiently to complete extrication, assist Bethlehem EMS with patient transport, and reopen the roadway around 1230 hours.
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