The Nevada City Fire Department was organized in June 1860 as a Volunteer Fire Department and has been in continual operation since then.  According to historical records, it was the women of Nevada City who took the first step toward the organization of the permanent Fire Department by holding a ball at the court house and later a theatrical show.  Monies earned from these events went into a fund to be held in trust towards the formation of the Fire Department. 

With a current staff of 21 Paid Call Firefighters, 1 paid Fire Chief, 1 Paid Captain and 2 paid Engineers, the Fire Department responds to approximately 1,000 calls for service a year.  The Fire Department currently jointly staffs our primary station with Nevada County Consolidated Fire District in order to provide 24 hour, year-round service.  The Fire Department currently has three engines, one brush engine, and two utility vehicles to cover the City.  We also respond to calls in other jurisdictions under a Mutual Aid Agreement.  Our volunteers have been out on numerous wild land fires and other disasters with the US Forest Service, the California Department of Forestry and the Office of Emergency Services. 

Our funding comes from general fund revenues generated by taxes including sales tax and fees charged by the City.  These funds are shared with Public Works, Water and Waste Water and the Police Department.  Out Fire Fighters Association also raises funds to supplement our budget and has purchased special pieces of equipment such as heart defibrillators and radios.