Boise's first fire department was created on January 24, 1876; consisting of 28 volunteers.

In 1902, the city created a paid, professional fire department with a part-time chief, three drivers and "pay-per-call" stokers and firefighters.

The 1950's saw the introduction of radios and the dispatch office, but also saw a number of major downtown structure fires.

The airport also needed specific Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) equipment, and another station was built on-site in 1965.

The BFD firefighting operations are based out of the city's 17 local fire stations.