The Fire Rescue Division is the single largest division in the Arlington Fire Department (AFD) and is comprised of the resources typically associated with fire department emergency service delivery and operations. Fire Rescue Division consists of 17 fire stations working on a three shift system designated as A, B and C shifts. Each shift works on a rotating bases of 24 hours on and 48 hours off. The City of Arlington is divided into three Battalions. Each Battalion is managed by a Division Chief or Battalion Chief who oversees the day-to-day activities, responds to major incidents, and works to facilitate concurrent activities to support the leadership of the organization. Minimum staffing for AFD Engines and Aerial Trucks is typically three to four personnel, and 2 staffed on the two Light Rescue Vehicles (Squads).

All Fire Rescue members are certified to at least the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate level, while approximately half the personnel are EMT-Paramedics. The Fire Rescue Division provides advanced life support medical care in association with American Medical Response, which staffs the ambulances within the city.
Fire Rescue members are certified in a variety of disciplines, including Structural Firefighting, Hazardous Materials Technicians, Driver/Pump Operator, Confined Space rescue, Swiftwater rescue, Dive Recovery, High Angle rescue, Trench rescue, Fire Instructor and Advanced Fire Officer.

The Fire Rescue Division engages with various emergency response networks within the region. These include the web of mutual and automatic aid agreements used on a daily basis. The division manages all incidents within the National Incident Management System. The Fire Rescue division takes pride in being prepared for all hazards and capable to respond in any environment.