Skip to main content

Historical Overview

Historical Overview of Quincy Volunteer Fire Department & Quincy Fire Protection District

The Quincy Volunteer Fire Department (QVFD)—originally known as Quincy Hose Company No. 1—was established in 1878, making it one of the oldest volunteer fire organizations in Northern California. It was founded in direct response to the growing fire protection needs of Quincy, then a frontier community shaped by the timber and mining industries. Frequent and devastating fires in early settlements led residents to organize a community-based volunteer force dedicated to protecting lives and property.

A sepia-toned photo of Main Street station in late 1800s people standing in front of Quincy Hose No. 1 fire station
1800s Quincy Hose No. 1 fire station
A sepia-toned photo of Main Street station in late 1800s people standing in front of Quincy Hose No. 1 fire station

 

In its formative years, QVFD operated with limited resources, using horse-drawn equipment and relying solely on community volunteers and local donations. Over time, as fire service technologies and public safety standards evolved, so did the department’s equipment, training, and scope of operations.

To provide formalized and sustainable fire protection services, a petition signed by more than 50 Quincy residents was filed on June 1, 1917, resulting in the creation of the Quincy Fire Protection District (QFPD). Formed as a special district under California law, QFPD provided a structured governance model and access to public funding to support growing operational needs.

A group of firefighters in uniform standing in front of a fire station 1 in 1947 with fire trucks in the background.
Station 1 1947
Five vintage fire trucks are parked in front of a fire station with a shingled roof.
Fire apparatus used in 1947
A group of uniformed firefighters standing in front of a fire station with fire trucks inside the garages.
Lawrence street Station 1 Circa 1950s
Four men stand and kneel by a Civil Defense Rescue Rig service truck with tools on display.
Civil Defense Service Rescue Rig
A group of firefighters in uniform standing in front of a fire station 1 in 1947 with fire trucks in the background.
Five vintage fire trucks are parked in front of a fire station with a shingled roof.
A group of uniformed firefighters standing in front of a fire station with fire trucks inside the garages.
Four men stand and kneel by a Civil Defense Rescue Rig service truck with tools on display.

Today, the Quincy Fire Protection District and the nonprofit QVFD continue to work in close partnership. While the District is responsible for infrastructure, apparatus, and operational oversight, QVFD—a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit—plays a vital role in supporting the volunteer firefighters by funding essential gear, equipment, and training resources.

Quincy Fire now operates with modern apparatus and a dedicated team of trained volunteer personnel. The department responds to a wide range of emergencies, including:

  • Structure fires
  • Wildland fires
  • Medical emergencies
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Public assistance and rescue calls
Three red fire department vehicles are parked in front of colorful autumn trees.
Quincy Fire Engines on display at Plumas County Fairgrounds
Fire truck 8161 and firefighting tools, including saws, axes, and pry bars, arranged on the ground.
Firefighters handling equipment on a red fire truck 81 24, with another fire truck nearby.
Rescue engine 8151 with Firefighters in gear stand near emergency vehicles and race cars on grass, under a cloudy sky.
Three red fire department vehicles are parked in front of colorful autumn trees.
Fire truck 8161 and firefighting tools, including saws, axes, and pry bars, arranged on the ground.
Firefighters handling equipment on a red fire truck 81 24, with another fire truck nearby.
Rescue engine 8151 with Firefighters in gear stand near emergency vehicles and race cars on grass, under a cloudy sky.

Despite more than a century of change and modernization, Quincy Fire remains firmly committed to its founding principle: neighbors helping neighbors. That legacy of service, community, and resilience has endured for more than 145 years and continues to define the character and mission of Quincy Fire today.