The Altoona Fire Department’s primary function is to protect the citizens of Altoona from a wide range of hazards.  The Fire Department offers a variety of services in order to protect the citizens of Altoona.  These services include fire suppression, quick medical response, motor vehicle accident response, hazardous materials response, confined space rescue, trench rescue, and specialized assistance programs.  Through these services, the Altoona Fire Department is able to offer the citizens of Altoona high quality assistance in the event of an emergency.  The AFD also utilizes non-emergency services in order to provide an even higher level of protection through fire prevention and education programs.

These programs also offer a variety of services to the citizens and businesses of Altoona.  These services include fire safety inspections, school age fire safety education, fire extinguisher training, supervised fire drills, smoke alarm installation, and juvenile fire setter intervention.  These programs are easily accessible to the public and work to protect the citizens of Altoona through high quality education and prevention.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​