During the late 1800s, church bells would signal a fire, every able bodied person would grab a bucket and report to the fire to help. The City Council realized that this method was no longer effective and on July 10, 1888 Volunteer Fire Company #1 was formed. The initial department consisted of 35 members all of whom had to pay dues in order to support the company. During the initial summer, many meetings were held over 6 weeks to elect officers and organize the company. The first Chief, (called Chief Marshal), was W.T. McCauley. The initial firefighting strategy was still bucket lines. On August 24,1888, the company voted to purchase a hand drawn ladder truck with leather buckets for $550. The truck was placed into service on October 5, 1888. The initial fire house was a 1 story structure at 511 Ellicott Street (3829 Church Road) was purchased for $800. 

During the early 1900s, the City Council looked at ways to improve the fire protection for Ellicott City. In 1900, James Gather offered to install 10 fire hydrants in Ellicott City. In 1910, the City Council looked into upgrading the fire departments resources and capabilities. The company bought a Howe "Barode" horse-drawn triplex pumper with a gasoline operated 250 gallon per minute pump. The pumper was placed in service July 10, 1910, however, it proved to be difficult to operate and not very reliable. In 1915, after many incidents and much discussion, the Council decided that 5 hydrants could be installed.  In 1915, after a serious fire, it was realized that more needed to be done to help the fire department. Many new members joined and weekly meetings and drills were held so that all members knew just what their job was when the alarm rang. Fundraisers were held to buy the most up to date equipment, such as rubber boots and coats. In 1920 after a series of fires throughout the Ellicott City area, the long response time for the department was noticed. The City Commissioner Milton Easton stated that if the department had a motorized unit the response time could be greatly increased. The Council was hesitant to purchase a motorized engine.

On the night of November 21, 1923 a fire was called in at the Patapsco Manor. The volunteers attached their fire engine to the back of the city's model T trash truck and began to race to the fire. While they were headed to the fire one of the wheels caught a groove in the trolley track and flipped the engine into a group of 8 children. Most of the 8 children suffered minor injuries, however, one did suffer severe injuries and was taken to St Agnes Hospital. On November 27, 1923, with the help from the Howard County Commissioners, a formal request for motorized fire apparatus was approved and budgeted. An American LaFrance Engine with a 700 gallon per minute pump was purchased. The county also entered into a mutual aid agreement with Baltimore County. The agreement meant that for large fires multiple Baltimore county companies would come to assist. To house the new engine, a new fire house was built at 8316 Main Street. 

Tragedy would strike Ellicott City on Christmas morning 1953. After helping extinguish a fire, 2 members were killed in a Chimney Collapse. Charles Ditch and Joseph Stigler were killed. These are the only Line of Duty Deaths for the fire department. (For more information please see the Line of Duty Death Page.)

On November 14, 1984, a major fire struck Main Street Ellicott City. Many building were destroyed in the six alarm fire. Ellicott City VolunteerFire Department, Howard County Fire Department and many surrounding companies worked tirelessly to fight the fire.  Almost 15 years to the day tragedy would strike again. On November 9, 1999, another six alarm fire tore through Main Street again. Once again with help from surrounding jurisdictions, the volunteers and Howard County Fire Department were able to extinguish the blaze. 

Today the volunteers work hand in hand with the five other volunteer corporations as well as the career members of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue to provide high quality service to the citizens of Ellicott City and surrounding areas.  We look forward to the future and finding new ways to better serve the community.