On January 24, 2026, the Boise Fire Department officially marks its 150th anniversary, honoring a legacy of service that began in 1876 when volunteer firefighters first organized to protect the growing city of Boise.
From its early days as a volunteer force to today’s modern, all-hazards department, Boise Fire has evolved alongside the city it serves, remaining steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives, property, and the community for a century and a half.
“For 150 years, the Boise Fire Department has stood as a pillar of trust and service in our community. Today, we honor the generations of brave men and women who have, and continue to, show up for our neighbors in some of the hardest moments imaginable,” said Boise Mayor McLean. “This anniversary is both a celebration of that legacy and a reminder of the enduring role the Boise Fire Department has in our city well into the future.”
Boise’s first fire department was made up of only 28 volunteers and was housed in a blacksmith shop on Main Street. The volunteer-based department served the city until 1902, when Boise leaders established a paid, professional department. In the 1940s, Boise’s population growth prompted a wave of modernization in the department. A new station was built, a fire combat training program was established, and radio systems were upgraded. By 1989, the department was responding to more than 7,000 calls annually.
As Boise continued to expand, the department has evolved alongside it. Today, the department operates 18 active fire stations and employs nearly 300 firefighters. In 2025, Boise Fire provided more than 35,000 responses to protect a population of more than 300,000 people. The department has grown to include specialty teams that assist with technical rescues, hazardous materials mitigation, dive and swift-water rescues, and airport emergencies. Boise Fire continues to adapt and modernize. The newest station, Station 13, was designed to be fully electric to support the City of Boise’s climate action goals, and a recent rebuild of Fire Station 5 features a decontamination storage room and rooftop solar panels.
“While much has changed over the past 150 years, our core mission of saving lives has not,” said Boise Fire Chief Aaron Hummel. “This anniversary is about honoring the firefighters and their legacy that shaped this department. It is also about reaffirming our commitment to serve Boise with professionalism, courage, and compassion for generations to come.”
The Boise Fire Chief is available for interviews, and historical photos are available to highlight the evolution of Boise Fire from its earliest days to the present.