What happened: EMS calls made up 74.3% of the Midland Fire Department’s responses through the first half of 2025, according to new department data.

Why it matters: The overwhelming share of EMS calls compared to fire calls highlights the department’s growing role as a medical first responder. The Midland Fire Department covers all of Midland County, but the City of Midland alone pays for its operations. Based on the city’s 2024–25 budget, the fire department was projected to cost $27 million over six months. That means the department’s 11,521 total calls received in that period cost the city about $2,343 each.

The big picture: From January through June 2025, the department handled 8,556 EMS calls, 322 fire calls, and 2,643 “other” calls — which include carbon monoxide incidents, gas meter leaks, downed lines, public service fire responses, hazardous materials situations, submerged vehicles, and unusual odors. In June alone, there were 1,413 EMS calls compared to just 35 fire calls, along with 447 other calls.

While EMS calls are climbing, up from 7,894 in the same period last year, fire calls have remained largely steady year-over-year. However, June 2025 saw a notable 43% drop in fire calls compared to June 2024.

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