Campus Fire Protection

University of Notre Dame


“A Self-Contained City”

Situated on the north side of the South Bend, Indiana, metropolitan area, Notre Dame occupies 1265 acres, 185 buildings with 11 million square feet of space, its own power plant, and an on-campus career fire department. Watch and read more about the community of Servant Leaders that comprise Notre Dame’s Operations, Events, and Safety Team.

A Legacy of Vigilance: NDFD’s Servant Leadership and Campus Fire Protection video

A video about the people who run the University of Notre Dame’s Fire Department and Campus Fire Protection. The University of Notre Dame has the oldest campus fire department in the USA. (filmed Spring 2023)

A Legacy of Vigilance: The History of Notre Dame’s Fire Protection video

Thomas E. Blantz, C.S.C., Notre Dame Emeritus History Professor, Holy Cross Priest, and Author of “The University of Notre Dame: A History,” explains the problem of fire on campus and how, over time, it became one of the best examples of campus fire protection beginning in 1879. (filmed Spring 2023)
Campus Fire Protection Case Study
Read about how Notre Dame Protects its “city.”

Over 97% of campus structures are protected by sprinklers and controlled by 1650 fire protection valves. Learn how Notre Dame has achieved its record for fire safety.

Notre Dame History Brochure
Read the NDFD’s History

A snapshot in time when the NDFD celebrated its 130-year history.


Discover the Fascinating 100-Year Journey of Reliable Automatic Sprinkler: From Humble Beginnings to Global Success