The Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department was founded by volunteer citizens of the town in 1922, with little more than their dedication and a single fire apparatus. A century later we are reflecting on all we’ve accomplished and where we came from. Volunteer fire departments are generally considered to have their American origins several hundred years ago representing the insurance industry in New York City. From the bucket brigades and horse-drawn apparatus used by those first crews, firefighting continued to evolve over the years. In the early twentieth century, when BFD first formed, firefighting apparatus used motor engines, wooden ladders, and single-jacketed cotton hose. Members wore natural-fiber based long coats, rubber boots, and plastic helmets that only provided minimal protection compared to the technology we have today. The level of dedication, call to service, and selflessness required to operate in 1922 remains something to which we all aspire. 

When the department was founded in 1922, Blacksburg had a population of less than 1400 people. A century later, the town’s population is estimated at nearly 45,000, with an additional 10,000 living on the campus of Virginia Tech. Currently BFD has 80 members spread across three strategically located stations that house 15 primary apparatus and multiple support vehicles. Each year we respond to over 1,200 incidents, including fires, alarms, motor vehicle accidents, gas leaks, carbon monoxide alerts, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, service calls, and anything else Blacksburg, Montgomery County, or Virginia Tech require. In contrast to when we were founded, members now wear head-to-toe protective turnout gear, including hoods, jackets, and pants made of fire-resistant, super-insulative synthetic fibers. We also use aluminum ladders, double-jacketed hose, and sophisticated apparatus carrying tools and equipment. With a focus on safety, each active member also carries an assigned radio, and a breathing air mask for use with our advanced breathing apparatus. We dedicate hundreds of hours annually to training and are capable of addressing so many more emergencies. The only thing that hasn’t changed is our dedication to the community and our commitment to service. 

We’ll continue to reflect on the changes, our growth, and what the future might hold through the end of 2022. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to see photos and more celebrating our 100 years. You can also celebrate with us by joining us at our open house on October 9 at Station 3 (407 Hubbard St.) from 1:00-4:00pm. This year you’ll be able to view our oldest apparatus, Unit 1 (1941 Oren), and other historical items from our past at the open house. You can compare them to our latest equipment and gear to see the changes. We estimate we’ve responded to around 40,000 emergency calls for service over the last hundred years. You’ll have a chance to meet current members who continue this legacy, find out what it takes to serve, and even put in an application to join us.