History of Boston Fire Department in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 16, 2025

The Boston Fire Department (BFD) is responsible for providing fire suppression and emergency medical services within the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Beyond fire incidents, the BFD also responds to various emergencies, including motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material spills, utility problems, floods, explosions, and construction site accidents. The BFD plays a crucial role in protecting the lives and property of Boston residents through a wide range of emergency response capabilities.

1903: Iroquois Theatre fire

In 1903, the Iroquois Theatre fire in Chicago had a death toll of 605.

1908: Assistance in the Great Chelsea Fire

In 1908, the Boston Fire Department provided assistance during the Great Chelsea Fire.

July 29, 1910: First Motorized Apparatus Purchased

On July 29, 1910, the Boston Fire Department purchased its first motorized apparatus, marking a shift towards modern firefighting technology.

December 3, 1913: Arcadia Hotel Fire

On December 3, 1913, the Arcadia Hotel fire occurred in Boston's South End, killing 28 people and becoming the deadliest fire in the city at that time.

1914: Horse-drawn, Steam and Motorized Engines in Use

From 1914 until 1923, the Boston Fire Department utilized horse drawn engines as well as steam and motorized engine companies.

1914: Assistance in the Great Salem Fire

In 1914, the Boston Fire Department provided assistance during the Great Salem Fire.

1923: Last Company to Replace Horses

In 1923, Ladder 24 was the last company to replace its horses, completing the motorization process.

1925: Fire Horses Retired and Radio Communications Started

In 1925, the last fire horses were retired, and the department began using radio communication in fireboats, chiefs' cars, and rescue companies.

1926: Last Steam Engine Converted

In 1926, the last steam engine was converted to a motorized engine, marking a significant transition in the department's equipment.

November 28, 1942: Cocoanut Grove Fire

On November 28, 1942, the Cocoanut Grove fire claimed 490 lives and injured 166, becoming the second-deadliest single-building fire in American history.

1960: Department Equipment in Operation

In 1960, the Boston Fire Department operated 48 engines, 29 ladders, one rescue unit, and two fireboats.

January 28, 1966: Paramount Hotel Explosions and Fires

On January 28, 1966, a series of explosions under the Paramount Hotel and resulting fires killed 11 people and damaged multiple buildings due to a gas main leak.

June 17, 1972: Hotel Vendome Fire and Collapse

On June 17, 1972, a fire at the Hotel Vendome led to a collapse during overhaul operations, resulting in the death of 9 Boston firefighters and injuries to eight more, marking the worst tragedy in the department's history.

1984: Reversion to Traditional Red Color and Switch to E-One Apparatus

In 1984, the Boston Fire Department reverted to the traditional red color for its apparatus and switched to using E-One fire apparatus.

1986: Reorganization of Rescue 2

In 1986, Rescue 2 was reorganized within the Boston Fire Department after being disbanded earlier due to budget cuts.

1996: Agreement to Improve Conditions for Women

In 1996, the Boston Fire Department agreed to improve conditions for women under the terms of the Hansford Decree, including providing gender-separated facilities, following sexual harassment complaints.

January 31, 2007: Removal of Aqua Teen Hungerforce Advertisements

On January 31, 2007, the Boston Fire Department, along with Boston Police and the Department of Homeland Security, removed LED advertisements resembling characters from Aqua Teen Hungerforce after they were mistaken for explosives, leading to a civil settlement.

June 3, 2013: Chief Steve Abraira Resignation

On June 3, 2013, Chief Steve Abraira resigned from the Boston Fire Department due to public criticism from his deputies regarding his response to the Boston Marathon bombing.

March 26, 2014: Beacon Street Brownstone Fire

On March 26, 2014, a fire in a Beacon Street brownstone resulted in the deaths of two firefighters, Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Michael Kennedy, and injured 18 others during a nine-alarm fire.

2017: Demographics of Boston

In 2017, The City of Boston was estimated to be 23% African American and 20% Hispanic, raising questions of diversity and inclusion within the Boston Fire Department.

2018: Low Representation of Women

In 2018, a Boston Globe report indicated that only 16 out of approximately 1,500 firefighters were women, highlighting issues of diversity and inclusion within the Boston Fire Department.

2018: Sexual Assault and Retaliation

In 2018, firefighter David Sanchez sexually assaulted a fellow firefighter, Nathalie Fontanez, in a firehouse. Fontanez reported a hostile work environment including hazing, discrimination, and retaliation after reporting sexually inappropriate behavior. The city reached a $3.2 million settlement and launched a retraining initiative.