The Lakeland Fire Department began as a volunteer force in January 1909 following three catastrophic fires that destroyed numerous businesses, houses, hotels and offices in the downtown area. The department has grown to employ more than 145 people. It operates from six stations and an administrative building, with a response area of 91 square miles. The department responds to an average of 17,300 emergency responses a year. Its fire safety management division performs more than 3,800 inspections, reviews an average of 820 construction plans, investigates 90 fires and presents over 800 educational programs annually. The Lakeland Fire Department is located in Lakeland, Fla.