The Carteret Fire Department is a combination department of both Career and Volunteer firefighters, as well as EMS services. The department responds to an average of over 500 fire related alarms and services more than 23,000 residents living in an area of approximately 4.4 square miles. Additionally, the Carteret Fire Department services a number of industrial sites such as Kinder Morgan, Astaris, and BP Amoco. The Carteret Fire Department also services a three (3) mile portion of the New Jersey Turnpike. The department's daily EMS services run from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

The Carteret Fire Department operates three (3) Engines, one (1) Ladder Truck, one (1) Foam Pumper, and two (2) Ambulances. Engine 2, Engine 4, and Truck 5 operate out of Fire Headquarters. Engine 3 operates out of Station 3A in West Carteret.