Department History

The Steamboat Springs Volunteer Fire Department has a long history within the community beginning in 1897. Upon establishment there was a Fireman's Ball to celebrate and raise money. It was certainly slow going at first. The newspaper reported that within the first year the Department had 20 members and various equipment.

Several fires occurred during the next forty years including The Steamboat Pilot building in 1909 and Dunfield's Store (photo) in 1910; however, one of the first fires on record (1939) was also Steamboat's largest structure, the Cabin Hotel. In addition to being one of Steamboat's largest fires, it is the only fire in the departments history in which fatalities occurred. Article #1, Article #2, Article #3.

1940's

By 1940, the department was responding to approximately 10 calls a year. 1941 was a busy year with 3 fires within 30 days including the second largest fire in Steamboat's history.

1950's

In 1958 the Yampa Valley M&E grain mill was destroyed. This historic landmark originated in 1890 and is in the present day location of The Iron Horse Inn.

1960's

In 1961 the Court house annex was destroyed. This building was located at the present day location of Community First Bank. Article #1, Article #2.

1970's

1980's

The 1980's was very busy time as the advent of fire alarms in commercial buildings increased call volume.

1990's

The department responded to their 300th fire call in 1991 and the rural district surpassed 500th EMS call mark in 1990.

Probably the most well known fire in department history occurred in 1994 - The Good News Building. This fire was the result of a natural gas leak and resultant explosion. Miraculously no one was killed, but the entire downtown area was closed and news agencies were reporting the incident on a national scale.

In 1997, the volunteers celebrated their 100th anniversary of helping the community. Also that year, Waterford Townhomes lost an entire building due to an accidental fire on a stove. Due to the efforts of the department no other buildings were lost.

In 1998, Walton Village "Rho" Building was completely destroyed by smoldering coals from a grill. Article #1, Article #2.

2000's

By 2000, the department responded to their 600th fire call and the rural district surpassed 1000 EMS calls.

2002 brought about some of the most dramatic changes within the department. The Volunteer Department as it had been known for over 100 years became a combination department with full-time staff and firefighters/paramedics or EMTs as well as part-time and volunteer firefighters.

In 2004, the Riverbend burned for a second time. Article #1.

Administration - Department History