History
The Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1922. This early group had virtually no equipment other than a hand pulled 1892 American LaFrance Ladder Wagon donated by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). In December of 1922, a Boosters Club was started for the purpose of raising money to support the Fire Department. After raising about a $1,000, the group approached Town Council and requested that council match these funds, which they did. In 1923 the Fire Department bought a Model T Ford ($375) and an American LaFrance combination chemical and hose cart ($1600) to mount on the One ton Model T.
two of BFD's first trucks
Due to the lack of power, the chemical and hose unit was mounted onto a Studebaker chassis after only a month or two of service on the Model T Ford. Brooms, rakes, and buckets were carried on the equipment, even though they were of little use in saving large burning structures, it was better than no equipment at all.
Most of the equipment purchased for fire fighting was funded by citizens with matching funds from Town Council. In 1941, the department purchased it's First Class A Pumper. It is still maintained in running order and along with the 1892 American LaFrance Ladder Wagon serve as focal points in our Fire Department Museum.
One individual, Irwin Howard, was instrumental in the purchase of the truck as well as the founding of the department. In 1942 Montgomery County Board of Supervisors bought two Ford Pumpers for the county. One of these pumpers was kept in Blacksburg under the agreement that the Blacksburg crew would fight the fires in the Blacksburg area of Montgomery County. This truck was replaced in 1957.
some of BFD's original members
In the early days, the volunteer firemen were alerted to calls by a steam whistle that blew on the top of the Virginia Tech Power House. Today, radio pagers summon the all-volunteer members 24 hours a day to an average of over 1100 calls per year. For many years the fire apparatus was stored in various locations around Blacksburg, including Argabrite's Livery Stables and the Blacksburg Motor Company.
From 1939 until 1957 they were stored under the Old Jail House on Jackson Street. 1957 marked construction of the first fire station in Blacksburg. This station, in the downtown area, was expanded in 1981 and is still in use today as Station 1. Station 2, on Prices Fork Road, was opened Halloween Night, October 31, 1986. Station 2 houses the administrative offices, Fire Museum, and eight pieces of fire apparatus.
Since 1922 the Department has grown tremendously. Our call coverage area of over 100 square miles includes the Town of Blacksburg with a population of over 45,000 residents. Virginia Tech, which enrolls more than 25,000 students per year, and the Blacksburg District of Montgomery County. The Fire Department operates 19 pieces of equipment with 44 active members and 16 life members.
