Welcome to Chautauqua Volunteer Fire Department

The volunteer Chautauqua Fire Department (CFD) was established in 1874, at the very inception of Chautauqua Institution. Initially, the members were primarily men who lived near the Institution or worked on its grounds, including construction contractors and CI employees. The original firehouse was located directly across Massey Avenue from the current police station, at the corner of Bowman.

In 1906, the department officially became a New York State fire district, encompassing the Chautauqua Institution and a rural area stretching from the Mayville village line south to Magnolia and west to Sherman (about 17.5 square miles total). One significant event in CFD's history was the devastating fire in 1908. This fire completely destroyed the original Colonnade building, caused by a coal furnace in the basement.

Following this fire, the department acquired new fire apparatus in 1909, including chemical carts, hand pumpers, and a Gleason & Bailey hook and ladder truck. A favorite photo from this period shows these pieces of equipment in front of the U.S. post office, which was under construction at the time. Notably, CFD never had horse-drawn fire equipment, as the all-volunteer nature of the department meant there was no one available in the fire hall to tend to horses.

The first mechanized apparatus was a 1922 Model A Ford, followed by the 1929 Peter Pirsch, which is now proudly displayed in the museum room of the fire hall.

In 1934, the state legislature established the Chautauqua Utility District, granting it the authority to collect property taxes to support the fire department. Later, in 1991, the New York State Senate established Chautauqua Fire District #1, which is governed by an elected board of five fire commissioners, who collect property taxes to fund CFD operations.

The current fire hall, dedicated in 2006, stands as a testament to the CFD’s enduring commitment to serve and protect the community. Today, the department remains entirely volunteer-run—just like 80% of fire departments across the U.S. During the summer months, medics are brought on staff to meet the demands of increased tourism, while highly trained volunteers continue to serve in all EMS roles on every call, including EMTs. Visitors are welcome to tour the fire hall during Sunday BBQs in the summer, where they can explore the department’s rich history and view the equipment that has supported the community for over a century.