About CAFA

   The Chelsea Area Fire Authority was formed in 1999 under Act 57 of 1988 after being known as the Chelsea Fire Department, which was formed in 1888. CAFA proudly protects and serves, per the 2000 census report, approximately 20,000 residents living in an area of approximately 110 square miles. CAFA is located in southeastern Michigan, 15 miles west of Ann Arbor and 57 miles west of Detroit. We cover 11 miles of Interstate 94.

   We operate out of one station and protect a combination urban and rural area, including: residential, retail, commercial, agriculture, and railway. We cover seven critical infrastructure sites (SARA Title III) and three regionally prominent nursing/ retirement homes. CAFA is staffed with two full time firefighters/ emergency medical technician basics 24 hours a day 365 days a year. CAFA consists of 32 members: seven fulltime, 19 paid on call, and six fire investigators.

   We provide fire, rescue, hazardous materials operations, and basic life support serving the people of the City of Chelsea and the townships of Dexter, Lima, Lyndon, and Sylvan. We have a technical rescue team that has rope, confined space, trench, and collapse rescue capabilities.

   CAFA responded to 1218 calls for service in 2007 averaging 3.34 calls per day up 20 percent from five years ago in 2002 responding to 978 calls for service averaging 2.68 calls per day. CAFA's projected calls for service in 2008 is 1300 based on current (as of 05/01/08) calls per day averages.

Mission Statement

   The mission of the Chelsea Area Fire Authority is to serve the public by reducing deaths, injuries, and minimizing property loss from: fires, hazardous material incidents, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and any other crisis within our level of training and equipment.

   We strive to achieve this mission through diligent training and state of the art equipment, teamed with dedication and professionalism, while maintaining cost-effective management of public funds. Our success relies upon a proactive organization that understands the future will be determined by the use of our most valuable resource...our personnel.

Reflective Address Signs

   The Chelsea Firefighters Association offers customized reflective address signs. For $20 you get a highly visible (day or night) sign that may help save your life or someone you love. Your sign is available in green or blue with white or yellow numbers. To order your sign, stop by the fire station any time. We'll typically have it completed the very next day.

Fire Station Birthday Party

   We are happy to have your child's birthday party at the fire station. There is no cost. For more information or to schedule a party please contact Captain Augustine Syrovy at (734) 475-8755.

CAFA Explorer Program

   The explorer program consists of advisors (firefighters) and youths 14-21 years of age who have an interest in firefighting. The program is designed to show the members what it is like to be a firefighter. Explorers receive some of the same types of training that is given to firefighters like: firefighting techniques, apparatus operations, vehicle extrication, EMS, and much more. Explorers normally meet one Wednesday a month in the evening. If you are interested in joining, call the fire station at (734) 475-8755.