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Kalispell Fire Department began as a volunteer Fire Department in 1891, for the purposes of protecting the citizens of the City from the ravages of fire.
In 1932, the department evolved into EMS as part of the regular function of the department and ran an ambulance in all of Flathead County on a routine and
emergency basis. In 1935, the department moved from a volunteer basis with four paid men to a completely paid department. This was not an easy move and
had to go to the State Supreme Court for its final resolution.
The department continued to expand in 1970, from 13 personnel to 21 in 1973. Today we have 39 members, 32 Firefighter/Paramedics, 3 Chief Officers, 1 Deputy Fire Marshal, 1 Fire Inspector, and 1 Administrative Support personnel, and an administrative/billing clerk to our staff. Kalispell Fire Department expanded from one station to two stations in 2006. 
1903, In front of first Fire Station, with horse drawn Hose & Ladder Cart. The Station was located on 3rd Street East,
one block east of Main Street.
Similar horse cart that Kalispell Fire maintains today for historical purposes.
Kalispell Fire Department on Main Street. July 4th, 1896.
1925 American LaFrance Fire Engine purchase for $13,500. Kalispell Fire Department still has ownership of this engine and
hopes to restore it to its original condition.
Kalispell Firefighters on 3rd Street East, about 300 feet from 1st Avenue East. Date unknown. Note Public Library in
background. This wall is part of the City Building Department now, facing the west into the alley. Photo reads: “Left to right: Wyman, Casey, Price,
Bernard, Mcpheders”
Kalispell Fire with the 1925 American LaFrance engine with tires chained up. Date and location unknown.
1925 American LaFrance engine leaving Fire Station on 3rd Street East. Date of photo unknown.
Unknown members of the Kalispell Fire Department. Date unknown, but estimated at 1915. Photo courtesy the
Central School Museum, Kalispell.
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