LAFD History More Than a Century of Service The history of the Los Angeles Fire Department is one of the most unique and inspiring in U.S. fire service history. An all-volunteer department for nearly two decades in the mid 19th Century, the department became an official agency of the City of Los Angeles on February 1, 1886. There are museums, historical archives and other resources available to anyone interested in the LAFD's past.

Museums There are a number of museums within the City of Los Angeles dedicated to the history of this great department. We invite you to learn more about the history of the department by visiting one of these volunteer-managed, historic sites. Historic Archives Digital historic archives are being released that focus on the more than 125 years the department has served the public. We invite you to explore the history of this unique and special department.