South Haven Area Emergency Services responded to a record number of calls in 2025, continuing a long-term trend of rising demand, especially for medical emergencies.
According to the annual SHAES report released on Monday, the agency handled 2,920 incidents last year, the highest total in its 29-year history and a sharp increase from 2024. More than two thirds of those calls were medical, with 2,021 medical responses and more than 1,100 requiring advanced life support. The city of South Haven accounted for the most calls, followed by South Haven Township, Casco Township, and Geneva Township.
Despite higher call volume, property losses from fires dropped while nearly $14 million in property was saved. SHAES also reported no civilian fire-related deaths in 2025 and an average response time of just under six minutes.
The department added new staff, expanded specialized teams like rope rescue and dive operations, and continued community safety programs, including free smoke alarm installations and fire education for more than 1,100 students.
