[1] The motivation for the formation of the department came in August 1866 when a fire started in a furniture store and, in less than an hour, destroyed eight buildings.

June 2024 NOTE- A new KME mid-mount platform apparatus is on order, and is expected to replace the current Truck 10 in 2025.

One of the results of Proposition 2's funding increase, they are intended to improve response times and reduce wear-and-tear on the larger and heavier engines with which they share quarters.

Every VFD firefighter, Captain and Battalion Chief (BC) is certified to either the EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic level.

(CRESA 911 is the PSAP and dispatch agency for the VFD, the remainder of Clark County, and portions of Cowlitz and Skamania Counties) Vancouver's heavy rescue, hazardous materials, fire boat, rehab and air apparatus, as well as all water tenders and brush engines, are not normally staffed.

A BC also normally responds with Vancouver companies that are dispatched to complex incidents outside of the VFD response area.

For very large incidents, the VFD can request the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) mobile command post vehicle.

VPD's acquisition of this asset allowed the VFD to discontinue maintenance and operation of its own command post unit.

In addition to their regular duties, at least one Training Captain responds to structure fires and other complex scenes to serve as the Incident Safety Officer (ISO).

Reserve apparatus accommodate changeable placards, kept at each station, that properly display company designators for this reason.

Alarm levels: Each incident type has a specific number of resources assigned to it in the 911 dispatch system.

Hazardous Materials: Engine 10 serves as the on-duty HazMat company for emergency consultation (in addition to its normal fire/EMS duties).

However, the public may view a 1925 Seagrave engine and some equipment in a view-from-outside museum display at Fire Station 10.

The band's core purpose is to honor fallen firefighters and other public servants at memorials and other events.

Membership is open to active duty and retired members of the region's fire and law enforcement agencies.