Department History

The story of Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One began with a community coming together to protect itself. In the spring of 1944, a devastating waterfront fire in North Gig Harbor destroyed several businesses and highlighted the need for organized fire protection. In response, local residents united to establish a fire district dedicated to protecting the Gig Harbor Peninsula.

Their efforts led to the creation of Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 5 on January 6, 1945. What began as a volunteer fire department with a single fire engine and a temporary station housed in a volunteer firefighter's garage laid the foundation for the organization that serves our community today.

As the Gig Harbor area continued to grow, so did the District. Fire protection expanded to Raft Island and Fox Island, career firefighters were hired, emergency medical services were introduced, and the City of Gig Harbor merged with the District. Over the decades, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One evolved from providing basic fire suppression to delivering advanced emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, wildland firefighting, fire prevention, and community risk reduction programs.

Today, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One proudly serves more than 50,000 residents across approximately 54 square miles from nine fire stations. While our apparatus, facilities, technology, and capabilities have changed dramatically since 1945, our commitment has remained the same: protecting life, property, and the community through professional emergency response and exceptional public service.

The history of Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One is one of growth and change. We continue to embrace that evolution by adapting to new challenges, preparing for the future, and remaining ready whenever our community calls for help.

A historical scene featuring firefighters and onlookers, with "Johnny's" diner and another shop visible in the background.
Three men, one in a wheelchair, stand by a 1945 Ford fire engine, showcasing a piece of fire-fighting history.
A vintage red fire truck parked outside a building, showcasing classic design and detailing.
A firefighter battles a smoky blaze near a wooden structure, surrounded by trees, in this historical black-and-white photo.
The image depicts firefighters battling a house fire, with smoke billowing from the structure.
Firefighters are battling a fire, spraying water from hoses in a dramatic, smoky scene.
Firefighters battling a massive fire on a boat, with intense flames and smoke visible in the background.
A vintage parade scene with a large crowd lining the street, various vehicles, and shops in a small town setting.
A vintage photo of five red fire trucks in front of a fire station, with a child walking nearby. Year noted: 1968.
A firefighter in protective gear is connecting a large hose to a fire truck, preparing for action.
Firefighters are training on the ground inside a fire station, preparing to respond to emergencies. A fire truck is visible.
Two individuals in diving gear are preparing to enter a building. A vintage car and a barrel are in the background.
A vintage street scene with a red delivery truck, gas pumps, and storefronts, featuring people sitting outside.
A house is on fire with smoke billowing, while firefighters in gear work nearby, and fire trucks are positioned in the foreground.
The image shows a group of firefighters in old uniforms, focused on a scene, possibly responding to an emergency situation.
A person is spraying a large amount of foam with a hose in an outdoor parking area, surrounded by trees and cars.
A group of firefighters in gear, discussing and preparing near a building, likely responding to an incident.
A historic photo of men posed with vintage trucks outside a used car dealership, featuring a service entrance and “Chevrolet” signage.
A historical scene on a bridge with workers, police, and a truck, possibly dealing with a chemical or safety situation.
A colorful parade scene with participants in homemade carts, flags, and a crowd watching on a sunny day.
A group of firefighters in yellow gear and helmets is working together, using hoses and equipment near a road surrounded by trees.
Firefighters in protective gear monitor burning cars engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing into the sky.
A large fire is consuming boats and dock structures near a waterway, producing thick black smoke and bright flames.
A firefighter fights a blaze engulfing a building, with smoke and flames visible amidst a smoky environment.
A group of people gathered around an unusual homemade vehicle, featuring a person seated on a mattress with a horned decoration.
Two firefighters are on the scene, one holding an axe and the other preparing to use a hose amid smoke in a residential area.
A historical scene featuring firefighters and onlookers, with "Johnny's" diner and another shop visible in the background.
Three men, one in a wheelchair, stand by a 1945 Ford fire engine, showcasing a piece of fire-fighting history.
A vintage red fire truck parked outside a building, showcasing classic design and detailing.
A firefighter battles a smoky blaze near a wooden structure, surrounded by trees, in this historical black-and-white photo.
The image depicts firefighters battling a house fire, with smoke billowing from the structure.
Firefighters are battling a fire, spraying water from hoses in a dramatic, smoky scene.
Firefighters battling a massive fire on a boat, with intense flames and smoke visible in the background.
A vintage parade scene with a large crowd lining the street, various vehicles, and shops in a small town setting.
A vintage photo of five red fire trucks in front of a fire station, with a child walking nearby. Year noted: 1968.
A firefighter in protective gear is connecting a large hose to a fire truck, preparing for action.
Firefighters are training on the ground inside a fire station, preparing to respond to emergencies. A fire truck is visible.
Two individuals in diving gear are preparing to enter a building. A vintage car and a barrel are in the background.
A vintage street scene with a red delivery truck, gas pumps, and storefronts, featuring people sitting outside.
A house is on fire with smoke billowing, while firefighters in gear work nearby, and fire trucks are positioned in the foreground.
The image shows a group of firefighters in old uniforms, focused on a scene, possibly responding to an emergency situation.
A person is spraying a large amount of foam with a hose in an outdoor parking area, surrounded by trees and cars.
A group of firefighters in gear, discussing and preparing near a building, likely responding to an incident.
A historic photo of men posed with vintage trucks outside a used car dealership, featuring a service entrance and “Chevrolet” signage.
A historical scene on a bridge with workers, police, and a truck, possibly dealing with a chemical or safety situation.
A colorful parade scene with participants in homemade carts, flags, and a crowd watching on a sunny day.
A group of firefighters in yellow gear and helmets is working together, using hoses and equipment near a road surrounded by trees.
Firefighters in protective gear monitor burning cars engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing into the sky.
A large fire is consuming boats and dock structures near a waterway, producing thick black smoke and bright flames.
A firefighter fights a blaze engulfing a building, with smoke and flames visible amidst a smoky environment.
A group of people gathered around an unusual homemade vehicle, featuring a person seated on a mattress with a horned decoration.
Two firefighters are on the scene, one holding an axe and the other preparing to use a hose amid smoke in a residential area.