About Us
Our Fire District
The Rollins Rural Fire District serves a dedicated stretch of Lake County, Montana, providing vital fire protection and emergency response across a rugged, forested landscape. Officially established in 1989, the district was born out of community initiative and continues to thrive through a combination of taxpayer support and generous donations. Our coverage area includes residences, campgrounds, and wildland-urban interface zones, all requiring specialized equipment and trained volunteers to respond swiftly and effectively.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Rollins Volunteer Fire Department, aka, the Rollins Rural Fire District, is to provide those who live within the boundaries of our Fire District the best fire protection possible including, but not limited to, fire suppression, fire prevention, and assistance to other emergency organizations, utilizing all resources available to the Fire District.
Implementation of our Mission
The Rollins Volunteer Fire Department shall, at a minimum:
01.
Respond to fires in the District as well as to other emergencies requiring the assistance of trained personnel. Those responding shall render all such assistance for which they are trained and such as might be needed to cope with the emergency while at all times acting within the constraints of applicable safety policies and procedures.
02.
Abide by the Montana Fire Codes and all other laws and regulations pertaining to Fire Districts issued currently or in the future by federal, state and local agencies, in so far as the Department has the resources and ability to do so.
03.
Obtain quality, efficient fire-fighting equipment; gradually replace old equipment; provide proper housing and storage for equipment.
04.
Provide for the safety and protection of fire fighters by ensuring the availability of all necessary protective gear and such other functional well-maintained equipment as might be necessary.
05.
Ensure that fire fighters receive proper training in fire-fighting techniques, safety, AED/CPR, equipment handling, driver education, hazardous materials response, ice rescue and highway and vehicle emergencies.
06.
Promote fire prevention measures and education and develop among citizens in the District appreciation of the need for fire prevention and protection measures.
07.
Assist other organizations and fire companies with which the RVFD has mutual aid agreements or upon request for mutual aid by our neighboring departments.
History of RVFD
The Rollins Volunteer Fire Department began in 1963 when four community members purchased a used fire truck and took turns housing it at their homes. A donated property on Methodist Camp Road soon became the department’s first fire station. Funded mostly by local fundraising in its early years, RVFD gradually expanded its fleet with vehicles equipped for various types of firefighting.
In 1989, following a public vote, the Rollins Rural Fire District was officially recognized by the Lake County Commissioners, allowing the department to receive limited taxpayer funding through property taxes. This, combined with continued community support and careful financial management, enabled further equipment upgrades and land acquisition for future expansion.
A major milestone came in 1995 when a large metal garage was donated and relocated to RVFD’s current property along Highway 93. Volunteers moved the building intact, shutting down sections of the highway and powerlines to make it happen. Over time, the facility was expanded to include additional bays and a meeting space. By 1998, the original Methodist Camp Road station was sold.
The department has remained debt-free aside from two modest loans—one for a fire engine in 2005 and another for equipment upgrades. From just five active members in 2010, RVFD has grown to over 20 trained volunteers in 2025. Now preparing for a facility expansion, the department continues to evolve while staying rooted in its community-driven beginnings.
Finances
The Rollins Fire Department is a community based volunteer fire department that operates as both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a designated fire protection district. Our operations are funded in part by local property tax revenue and in part by generous donations from residents, businesses, and supporters. This combined funding allows us to provide emergency response, fire prevention services, and community assistance throughout the district we serve. Currently the revenue we receive from property taxes just covers our annual operating budget. Capital expenditures, such as fire trucks, equipment and facility upgrades need to be funded through community donations.
2024/2025 Donation Capital Expenditures:
$1,017,164 - Fire Hall Expansion Project
$72,800 New Type 5 Wildland Fire Truck
$16,192 - Outfit Structure Fire Engine
$30,675 - New Structure Turn-out Gear for 9 members
$5,200 - Wildland Portable Radios