Wilmington Fire Department releases 2025 statistics highlighting year of service

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — The Wilmington Fire Department released yearly statistics on Monday to highlight its performance in 2025. 

The gas leak explosion at the New Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center was one of 20,000 calls WFD responded to in 2025 across all companies.  

They assisted 472 people to escape from a burning structure and safely removed 370 people from inside or surrounding a life-threatening situation. 

 2,263 residents were able to return to their residences after WFD assistance. 

 The total property value saved by the WFD equated to more than 3 billion dollars and 25 million dollars.  

Derek Mickler is the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Wilmington Fire Department.  

He says this report puts visualization to the difference the fire department makes. 

“We wanted to capture the impact on our citizens and community by identifying when we show up on scene and make a difference,” Mickler said. “What does that look like?” 

Mickler says these outstanding numbers are all thanks to the men and women who work for the fire department and serve the community.