The Bozeman Fire Department takes great pride in both our current daily work and our rich history. Over the years, we have collected historical artifacts with the goal of showcasing the departments' growth and transformation over the past 140 years. This opportunity arose in 2020 with the establishment of a new Fire Station 1, located in the Bozeman Public Safety Center. The design of the station’s front office includes a display of the Bozeman Fire Department’s very first horse-drawn steam pumper, which was previously housed at the Museum of the Rockies.

The Silsby Steam Pumper, acquired in 1888, is prominently displayed and can be seen through the picturesque windows at any time, day or night. The Department has built an impressive collection of memorabilia to educate and inspire visitors. During normal operating hours, from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, the community is invited to explore the rich history of fire culture dating back to 1884. Guests can flip through the historical fire records or browse photographs of former Fire Chiefs and Captains.

Bozeman Fire Station 1 is located at 300 East Oak Street, Bozeman Montana 59715.

Major Historical Milestones of the Department 

• 1880 - The Bozeman Fire Company was formed, later consisting of Bozeman Hook and Ladder in 1884, and the Alpha Hose Company in 1885.  The Bozeman Fire Department was organized as a volunteer group with only two paid members. 
• 1889 - Omega Hose Company was founded.

• 1887 -  A large Main Street fire was motivation for updating pumping equipment.
• 1889 - The Silsby Steam Pumper began it's service. 
• 1889 - Fire Chief W. G. Alexander succeeded Bozeman's first Fire Chief, A.P. Clark and served in that role until 1925. 
• 1890 - Bozeman FD moved into Bozeman Opera House which housed City Hall, the fire and police departments until 1964.
• 1910 - A centralized fire alarm system was implemented by Gamewell.
• 1914 - Bozeman FD switched to all motorized fire equipment.
• 1912  - The Bozeman Relief Association, known today as HRDC, was incorporated.

• 1964 - Bozeman FD relocated to a new police and fire station with City Hall situated to the south. 
• 1974  - Bozeman Fire Station 2 opened on 19th Street with agreement from Montana State University.  
• 1987 - Ladder Truck 1 was delivered and began it's service.

• 1989 - Pierce Dash Pumper delivered and began it's service. 
• 1994 - Volunteer service is phased out of Bozeman FD.
• 1997 - Bozeman FD receives the designation of regional HazMat Team. 
• 1998 - General Pumper was delivered and in service until 2012. 
• 2003 - Staffing increased from a minimum of 5 to 6, resulting in the formation of three-person engine companies.
• 2004 - Pierce Pumper was delivered and entered into service, replacing the 1989 Pierce Pumper, which was moved to reserve status.  The 1970's Darley Pumper was gifted to the Lewistown Driving School.

• 2005 - Hazmat response trailer and tow vehicle began it's service. 
• 2009 - Bozeman Fire Station 3 opens on Vaquero Parkway and is staffed, adding 12 members to the fire department and increasing minimum staffing to 9 members. 
• 2011 - Ladder Truck 1 moved to the front line. 
• 2009 - A downtown gas explosion killed one person on March 5th. 
• 2010 - Sutphen Pumper - Engine 2, began it's service and the 2004 Pierce pumper moved to reserve status.  
• 2011 - Sutphen Pumper -  Engine 1, began it's service.
• 2013 - Sutphen Aerial Truck - Truck 3, began it's service, replacing Ladder Truck 1, which is sold. 
• 2018 - Technical Rescue Team is formed and a rescue equipment trailer began it's service. 

• 2022 - Bozeman Fire Station 1 relocates to the Bozeman Public Safety Center, which houses Bozeman Fire and Police, Municipal Courts, and the Legal Department. 
• 2022 - Bozeman FD began billing for EMS transports. 
• 2023 - Sutphen delivers the new Engine 1 and Engine 3, which are now ready to begin their service.
• 2024 - Chief Josh Waldo is sworn in as the 148th President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs 
• 2024 - New Fire Station 2 opens on the campus of Montana State University to replace the old Fire Station 2 on 19th Street.
• 2025 - Bozeman Fire Department receives accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, making it the first fire department in Montana to achieve this status.