Chicago Fire Department moves to digital radios – more
July 11 12:18:29, 2025
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This information comes from Dave Weaver. He shared some details about the UHF radio zone channel assignments used by the Chicago Fire Department (FD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). These channels are critical for communication during emergencies and are assigned based on jurisdiction, function, and incident type.
The numbers in parentheses (1–16) represent the current channel numbers used by FD and EMS crews. Each radio is programmed with over 20 zones, many of which have overlapping or duplicate channels with different numbering. Below are the two main zones currently in use: one for Fire and Rescue (FD), and another for EMS.
**Zone (FD):**
1. **FIREMAIN** – Used by Fire and Rescue companies in the North jurisdiction to communicate with the OEMC.
2. **FIREENGL** – Used by Fire and Rescue companies in the South jurisdiction for communication with the OEMC.
3. **ADMIN** – For coordination between Fire and Rescue units and ambulances. Also serves as an alternate fireground channel if a MAYDAY is called.
4. **FIREGRND** – Primary channel for Fire and Rescue communications at the scene of an incident.
5. **FIRE CMD** – Used by chief officers to coordinate activities during extra alarm or large-scale incidents.
6. **EMS CMD** – Acts as the EMS tactical channel during EMS Plan incidents.
7. **EMS OPS** – EMS companies operate on this channel under the direction of the ranking EMS Command Chief, especially during high-rise fires. It can also be designated as a tactical channel during large incidents.
8. **OPS 8** – May be used as a tactical channel by the Incident Commander (search and rescue, support, or alternate EMS channel). Can also serve as a backup fireground channel if a nearby incident uses FIREGRND.
9. **OPS 9** – Designated by the Incident Commander for specific purposes like search and rescue or support. Used when another incident is already using FIREGRND.
10. **OPS 10** – Assigned by the Incident Commander for tactical operations. Used by chief officers to manage a second large-scale incident if another is already using FIRE CMD.
11. **CTA FIRE** – Used by department members responding to incidents within CTA tunnels or subways.
12. **UMETRO 3** – An interoperable channel for communication with other city and county agencies. It can also act as a backup for CTA-to-FD communication during subway incidents.
13. **CW FIRE** – A backup dispatch channel used by OEMC during busy periods.
14. **LAKEFRNT** – For communication with lifeguards from the Chicago Park District on the beaches.
15. **FIREENGL** – Repeated for clarity—used by Fire and Rescue in the South jurisdiction.
16. **FIREMAIN** – Repeated for clarity—used by Fire and Rescue in the North jurisdiction.
**Zone (EMS):**
1. **EMS MAIN** – EMS companies in the North jurisdiction use this for communication with OEMC.
2. **EMS ENGL** – EMS companies in the South jurisdiction use this for communication with OEMC.
3. **ADMIN** – Same as above, used for coordination between FD and EMS. Also acts as an alternate fireground channel.
4. **FIREGRND** – Same as above, used for Fire and Rescue at the scene.
5. **FIRE CMD** – Same as above, used by chiefs to coordinate large incidents.
6. **EMS CMD** – Same as above, used as the EMS tactical channel during emergency plans.
7. **EMS OPS** – Same as above, used by EMS units during high-rise fires or large incidents.
8. **OPS 8** – Same as above, used for various tactical roles.
9. **OPS 9** – Same as above, used when another incident is active.
10. **OPS 10** – Same as above, used for managing multiple large incidents.
11. **CTA FIRE** – Same as above, for CTA-related incidents.
12. **CITY W5** – A special events channel used by the Chicago Police, monitored by OEMC.
13. **CW FIRE** – Same as above, used during high-volume dispatch times.
14. **LAKEFRNT** – Same as above, for beach lifeguard communication.
15. **FIRE ENGL** – Repeated for clarity—used by FD in the South.
16. **FIRE MAIN** – Repeated for clarity—used by FD in the North.
These channels are essential for maintaining order and efficiency during emergencies. Understanding their purpose helps ensure that communication remains clear and effective across all responding agencies.
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