Our History

The Downieville Volunteer Fire Department (DVFD) has served our community with dedication and pride since 1860. Our rich history spans over 160 years of protecting the people and property of Downieville and surrounding areas.

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Early Years (1850s-1860s)

The need for organized fire protection became painfully clear through several devastating fires in Downieville's early days. The first widely destructive fire occurred on February 19, 1852, prompting the community to rebuild with fire safety in mind—narrow streets were widened to 40 feet to help prevent future disasters.

Following the 1852 fire, concerned merchants and citizens raised $500 to form the Downieville Hook and Ladder Company to "guard against fire in the future." However, another even more disastrous fire struck in January 1858, destroying many buildings and the bridge to Jersey Flat, highlighting the continued need for adequate firefighting capabilities.

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In 1860, the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department was officially established with two hose companies: Mountain Torrent No. 1 and Cataract Hose Company No. 2. These early firefighters demonstrated their community spirit by holding Annual Balls to raise funds for firefighting apparatus. By the July 4th parade in 1862, 67 proud members of DVFD Companies 1 and 2 marched through town.

Growth and Modernization (1920-Present)

The 20th century brought significant developments to the DVFD:

• 1920: The department purchased its first motorized pumper, funded entirely by voluntary contributions from the community

• 1927: The first fire station was built at 1110 Warren Avenue, serving the department until 1976

• 1980: Emergency medical services expanded with the addition of paramedics

• 1987: The Downieville Fire Protection District was officially established by the Sierra County Board of Supervisors under the Fire Protection District Law

Our Organization Today

Downieville Fire Protection District

The Downieville Fire Protection District is the government agency responsible for the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department, Downieville Ambulance, and financial oversight of district taxes collected for fire protection services.

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Downieville Fire Association

The Downieville Fire Association consists of the dedicated men and women who volunteer with the DVFD. This completely separate non-profit organization holds fundraising events to provide necessary gear and equipment beyond what the district's limited tax collection funds can provide.

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Downieville Fire Auxiliary

The Downieville Fire Auxiliary is a non-profit organization that supports and assists the DVFD in many vital ways.

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Serving Our Community

Today, Sierra County's entire population of approximately 3,400 residents, is less than the 5,000 people who lived in Downieville alone during the 1800s. Yet the DVFD continues its proud tradition of service with a roster of thirty firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, and auxiliary personnel who embody the community volunteer spirit that has defined our department since 1860.

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We maintain mutual aid agreements with surrounding fire districts in Sierra County and neighboring Yuba, Nevada, and Plumas counties, ensuring comprehensive emergency response coverage for our region.

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Historical information compiled from the works of the late Jim Sinnott, who wrote several historical books about the communities of Sierra County.