The administrative offices of the St. Charles Fire Department are located in the EDC building. Residents can obtain permits, request ambulance billing, fire bonds, fire report or for a fire fighter to provide public education at these offices. The St. Charles Fire Department has its roots in the Union Fire Company, which was formed in 1964 to provide greater fire protection. Today, the department has more than 80 fire fighters at five stations across the city and also is one of just a few departments to have an urban search and rescue trailer that's equipped to respond to disasters such as a building collapse.