The earliest departments in San Juan County were started in the 1950s. San Juan County first recognized these departments in 1962. The volunteer fire departments, along with the County Fire Marshal, were consolidated in 2001 to create the San Juan County Fire Department. The Fire Department now has a Fire Chief, two Deputy Fire Chiefs, six Division Chiefs.

San Juan County Fire & Rescue consists of an Administration Office and 10 volunteer fire districts operating out of 22 stations with approximately 100 ACTIVE volunteers. They provide First Response Fire and Medical Services in conjunction with Paramedic Ambulances, first response hazardous materials, fire suppression, wild-land firefighting and rescue services including water, high angle, search and rescue and vehicle extrication. All new recruits are trained to IFSAC Firefighter I & II level in the first year.

In 2021, in celebration of the 20th year of consolidated fire service, the San Juan County Fire Department adopted the name, San Juan County Fire & Rescue and a new logo and patch.