The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) of Chattanooga, Tennessee was first established after the Civil War in 1865. As this early department was undersupplied and understaffed, in 1871 the city reorganized the CFD to form a more robust, volunteer-only fire department. By 1876 the department had three companies, with two more added in 1882. The CFD was notified of fires via a fire telegraph system, and all fire-fighting vehicles were horse-drawn.

In the early 20th century, the CFD responded to a greater need for fire safety as Chattanooga expanded via annexation. The City of Chattanooga declared an annual Fire Prevention Week in 1922 to raise awareness of the danger of fire and how to prevent it. Additionally, in 1938, the Fire Prevention Bureau was created in compliance with national guidelines to centralize efforts to improve public fire prevention. By the 1940s, the department directed at least fourteen companies.

The first motorized fire engine was purchased by the department in 1911; previously, the department was entirely composed of horse-drawn vehicles such as steam pumpers and hose reels. The last horse-drawn steam pumper was retired in 1917, standardizing the entire department for the first time. This steam pumper was the Garnett Andrews steam pumper; in 1986, by order of Fire Chief Jerry Evans, the CFD restored it. The pumper had been bought in 1892 and was named such after a prominent Georgian politician and early settler of Chattanooga. The CFD used it often in displays and parades such as Fire Prevention Week after it was retired, and continues to do so to this day.

As of the early 21st century, the CFD directs twenty companies that administer assistance through upwards of 144 square miles. Its motto is to “protect life, property, and community” and does so via emergency response and fire prevention, which involves enforcing the Fire Code and educating the public through events such as Fire Prevention Week and fire drills.

“Fire Department.” Chattanooga.gov. City of Chattanooga. Accessed February 02, 2024, https://chattanooga.gov/fire-department.

Martin, John. “3 in Your Town: 150 Years of the Chattanooga Fire Department.” Local3news.com. Local 3 News, November 08, 2021. https://www.local3news.com/local-news/local-3-in-your-town/3-in-your-town-150-years-of-chattanooga-fire-department/article_fa9481af-0072-5dd4-9275-54cb9ab443a9.html.

The History of the Chattanooga Fire Department, 1871-1975. Chattanooga: International Association of Firefighters, Local 820, 1975.