The Downingtown Fire Department consists of two fire companies, the Alert Fire Company No. 1, located at 122 West Pennsylvania Avenue in the West Ward of town and the Minquas Fire Company No. 2 located at 141 Wallace Avenue in the East Ward of town.  Alert Fire Company was established in 1887 with the Minquas Fire Company following in 1908.  

Both fire companies have a long and impressive tradition serving the residents of Downingtown Borough and East Caln Township.  The Downingtown Fire Department consists of over 50 dedicated men and women volunteering their time to serve the community, risking their lives providing fire and rescue services along with Basic (BLS) and Advance (ALS) Life Support ambulance services.