Following the massive fires in Chicago and Boston, John S. Damrell, Chief Engineer of the Boston Fire Department urges the establishment of a national organization of fire chiefs. In the fall of 1873, Damrell founds the National Association of Fire Engineers (NAFE) and becomes its first president.

The association becomes a forum to discuss new technology, develop and sharpen response protocols, and build a support network of peers. During the first decade, the proceeding of the NAFE meetings, which included scholarly presentation and policy debate were the only fire protection literature of the times.  

 As the only activity of the association is the annual meeting, there are no annual dues. The annual meeting is funded by a $5.00 (about $95 today) registration fee. Read more about the early years.

Until the turn of the 20th century, firefighting had remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. During this time of war and great technological change, the IAFC solidifies its role as a champion of progress and education. More than just an annual meeting, the IAFC becomes critical role in exploring and leading new ideas in this exciting era.

While not always successful in adopting a modern attitude and sometimes seduced by the extravagance that defines the 1920s, these decades establish the association's roots as a change-agent and creates the foundation for serving the community through a century of rapid evolution. Read more about a new age.

The IAFC, with the rest of the world, experiences the financial and emotional challenges created by the Great Depression and World War II. However, it also exemplifies the IAFC's resourcefulness, commitment to service and a leader in moving the fire service forward in a rapidly changing world. It's during these years that the IAFC moves beyond a once-a-year forum and becomes a powerhouse in creating fire and emergency service-related text and research. Innovation from the depression and war-time efforts and lessons learned from major fires creates ample opportunity to push forward both the association's agenda to enhance prevention, utilize technology and further professional education. Read more about the Great Depression/World War II.

The years following World War II are largely years of quiet transition. While the war has contributed to the evolution of technology, the IAFC continues a steady course of education relevant to the issues of the day in the early part of this period. However, two things happen during this era that sets the stage for the explosion of change that will come in the latter part of the 20th century.

First, IAFC members support the continued growth of war-time administrative training and begin to foster leadership development resources and programs. More than just tactical and technological offerings, IAFC members begin to take a role in developing the business roles of the fire department. It is here too that IAFC members begin to explore their role beyond the fires, supporting charitable organizations and working to support the changing needs of community. Read more about post World War II.

By this time, members of the IAFC are leading on two fronts—the evolution of services, technology and community expectations, and providing the leadership education that supports the fire and emergency service's ability to respond and adapt to those changes. Establishing expertise through the development of technical committees and expanding its global presence, the IAFC begins to tap lessons learned from members world-wide and prepare now for what the future will bring.

Despite continued development of successful program and resources, the IAFC undergoes a period of financial and political ups and downs that tries the association into the early 1980s. Fortunately, the administrative training directed toward departments pays off for the association as well, as leadership begins to take a more practical approach to the business of the association. By the end of this era, the IAFC approaches the 21st century as a vibrant and growing organization. Read more about the modern era.

At the dawn of the 21st Century, the IAFC is a trusted voice to its members, the broader fire and emergency service community, legislators and more. IAFC members have demonstrated the success of the all-hazard fire and emergency service construct and are applying their expertise to other threats. Among them are the growing threats of terrorism and wildland fire, in which the IAFC fights for the fire and emergency service's seat at the policy table. Collaboration is the hallmark of this era, with IAFC members engaging other organizations, government and the private sector to ensure that the fire and emergency service has the information and resources it needs to excel in a new century. Read more about the 21st Century.