The Bozeman Fire department is very proud of our current daily work but also, our rich history.   Over many years, the department has collected historical fire treasures with the intention of one day being able to have an interesting and educational space to showcase the department’s growth and transformation over the past 140 years.  The opportunity presented itself in 2020 with the creation of Station 1, located in the Bozeman Public Safety Center.  The Station’s front office was designed to showcase Bozeman Fire Department’s very first horse drawn steam pumper, formally housed at the Museum of the Rockies. 

Night or day the Sibley pumper, purchased in 1888, can be clearly seen through the picturesque windows .  The Department has amassed a remarkable collection of memorabilia to educate and inspire and during normal operating hours,  (Monday–Friday  8am – 4pm) the community is invited to explore the rich fire culture dating back to 1884, turn the pages of the historical fire record or peruse the photographs of the former Fire Chief’s and Captains. 

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

The community is also welcome to schedule a detailed tour if they would like to see the inner workings of the department and meet the firefighters.  You can schedule a tour by calling 406.582.2350. 

Major Historical Milestones of the Department 

• The Bozeman Fire Company was formed in 1880 later consisting of the Alpha Hose Company (February 5th 1885) and Bozeman Hook and Ladder (February 1884).
• The Bozeman Fire Department was organized as a volunteer group with only two paid members. 
• Omega Hose Company founded (December 13th 1889)

• Large Main Street Fire in 1887 was motivation for updating pumping equipment leading to purchase of Silsby Steam pumper in 1889
• A.P. Clark first fire Chief. W.G. Alexander succeeded him in 1889 and served in that role until 1925. 
• 1890 Moved into Bozeman Opera House which housed City Hall, the fire and police departments until 1964.
• 1910 Centralized fire alarm system by Gamewell.
• Moved to all Motorized equipment in 1914.
• 1912 Bozeman Relief Association was incorporated.

• 1964 move to new police and Fire Station with city hall adjacent to the south. 
• 1974 Station two opened with agreement from MSU 
• 1987 Ladder 1 delivery LTI  

• 1989 Pierce Dash pumper delivery 
• 1994 last of Volunteers phased out 
• 1997 Regional Hazmat team designation 
• 1998 General pumper delivery sold in 2012 
• 2003 Minimum staffing increased from 5 to 6 giving 3 person engine companies 
• 2004 Pierce pumper Delivery (1989 Pierce moved to Reserve, 1970’s Darley gifted to Lewistown Driving School.

• 2005 Hazmat response trailer and tow vehicle. 
• 2009 Station 3 opens at Vaquero and Davis Fully staffed adding 12 to Department and increased minimum manning to 9. 
• 2011 Ladder truck moved to front line. 
• March 5th 2009 Downtown Gas explosion 1 killed 
• 2010 Sutphen pumper (E2) 2004 Pierce to reserve 
• 2011 Sutphen pumper (E1)  
• 2013 Sutphen Aerial (Truck 3, LTI sold) 
• 2018 Technical rescue team and Trailer 

• September 2022 move to Bozeman public Safety Center house Fire, Police, Courts, and Legal. 
• 2022 began Billing for EMS transports