09/03/2026
Lancaster Fire Department & Fairfield County Fire Departments Implement New AVL Dispatch System
As of September 1st, the Lancaster Division of Fire, along with Fairfield County, has begun using a new AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) system as part of our emergency response operations.
AVL allows our dispatch center and responding units to see the real-time location of fire department apparatus. This provides dispatchers and crews with better information about where units are located and helps improve coordination during an emergency.
What AVL DOES NOT change:
• It does not change how 911 calls are prioritized.
• It does not replace our dispatchers.
• It does not replace the experience and decision-making of our firefighters and officers.
What you may notice
Residents in and around the City of Lancaster may notice an increase in Fairfield County fire department vehicles responding to calls within or near the city.
Lancaster Fire Department units will continue to respond to all calls for service. However, on higher-acuity calls, the closest available fire department unit may be dispatched to the incident. This means a neighboring Fairfield County fire department may arrive alongside a Lancaster Fire Department unit.
This approach allows available emergency resources to be utilized more efficiently and helps get the closest appropriate resources to those who need them as quickly as possible.
AVL is another technology tool that provides dispatchers and firefighters with better information to coordinate emergency resources and improve response efficiency.
We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our community as we work together with our Fairfield County fire service partners to provide the best possible emergency response.
Lancaster Division of Fire
