Special Exhibits:

Libby Volunteer Fire

Department

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department was formed in

1911. The town was growing fast with lumber being its

major source of employment. The town purchased a

bucket cart and some of the business owners donated

their time to become firefighters when fire broke out.

The streets at that time had no pavement so most of

the time it was mud. The bucket cart was drag down

the streets by the firefighters to the scene of the fire

and brigade lines were formed from a watering trough

to the building and back to the trough. Over the years

trucks were added to bring the fire department up to

date new equipment.

Lincoln County Rural Fire District #1 was formed in 1957. Up until this time the Fire Department was strictly a City department. The Rural Fire District purchased equipment and stored it at the firehall. The department became a dual fire department and the members were able to help their neighbors and friends for a radius of five miles from the firehall. The exhibit contains a photo display of various fires fought by the Libby Volunteer Fire Department, an original LVFD bucket brigade fire wagon, a roster of fire fighters by year, and a memorial dedicated to fireman Cory Clawson-a firefighter killed in the line of duty. Additional exhibit items include a display case with toys, medals, helmets and other fire department related items.

Libby Fire Department today

The City of Libby Fire Dept. and Lincoln Co. Rural Fire District #1 provides fire protection, public education, fire prevention and code management to the citizens of Libby and approximately 12 square miles  in the surrounding rural area. The department operates from one station located on Sixth Street between Mineral Avenue and Montana Avenue.  The department operates with 3 class A engines, 3 water tenders, 1 4x4 wild land engine, utility van, hose/boom truck combination and a 1500 GPM trash pump.  This emergency service is provided with 30 volunteers. Department training is held on Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m.  the first Thursday of the month is a business meeting at 8:00 p.m.  Additional training provided by Montana Fire Service Training School, National Fire Academy, U.S. Forest Service/Dept. of State Lands and other emergency services is available and encouraged if desired. Volunteer fireman (and women) can develop technical skills in the use of complicated fire fighting and rescue equipment, as well as life-saving techniques.  It is an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and provide a valuable community service through the protection of lives, property and the environment. The Libby Volunteer Fire Department can be reached at: Libby Volunteer Fire Department 119 E Sixth Street P.O. Box 796  Libby, MT   59923 Do you have items you can contribute to this exhibit? Please contact us for more information.

Related Links:

Libby Volunteer Fire Department, www.libbyfiredept.com  City of Libby Fire Department