After several large loss fires in the late 1890's volunteer fire companies were formed. The three original fire companies formed in 1898 were the J. Aubineau Hose Company, the W.G. Nevins Hose Company, and the Edward E. Ayer Hose Company. They were followed shortly after by the D.M. Riordan Hose Company and the David Babbitt Hook and Ladder Company.
The first paid member of the Flagstaff Fire Department was George See in 1915 after a home burned to the ground due to the delayed response of the brand new Type A American Le France. He was hired as an engineer-mechanic for the sum $100 a month, the equivalent of approximately $1,400 a month today. He was hired to provide 24 hour coverage to ensure the engine could respond as soon as the alarm went off. After a year he convinced the town council to increase his pay to $125 and give him 2 days off a month.
The Flagstaff Fire Department has grown from individual fire companies, with the last one being formed as late as 1948, to a full career paid department today.
The United Flagstaff Fire Fighters Local 1505 was formed in February 1964 as an affiliate local of the International Association of Fire Fighters to become the voice of representation for the paid professional firefighters of the Flagstaff Fire Department.
Navajo Ordinance Depot is built outside of Flagstaff. NAD served as a staging point for ordinance going to the Pacific Theater of WWII. Fire and emergency response were handled by soldiers on base. NAD served as a munitions staging point through Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War.
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