Houston Fire Department: A History of Bravery and Service

Introduction

The Houston Fire Department (HFD) has a long and distinguished history of serving the city of Houston, Texas. Founded in 1837, the HFD has grown from a small volunteer force to a modern, professional department that is responsible for protecting the lives and property of Houston's citizens.

Early History

The HFD was founded on December 29, 1837, by a group of 12 volunteers. The department's first firehouse was located on Main Street, and its first fire engine was a hand-drawn pumper. In the early days, the HFD was responsible for fighting fires, but it also provided other services, such as ambulance service and firefighting training.

In 1872, the HFD became a paid department. This allowed the department to hire more firefighters and purchase new equipment. The HFD also began to expand its services, and it soon became responsible for fire prevention and investigation.