A Fire Department was established by City Charter in 1883. It provided for equipment purchases, but not for hiring of firefighters. Following the Great Fire of 1889, a professional fire department was created with five district fire stations and purchase of a fire boat. The first Fire Chief of the professional department was Gardner Kellogg who served 1890-1892 and 1895-1901. A Board of Fire Commissioners was established by the 1890 City Charter to prescribe rules and regulations for the Department. The Board's responsibilities included enforcing rules violations, and appointing the Fire Chief and all subordinate officers. The Board was abolished with passage of a new City Charter in 1896. The position of Fire Marshall was established in 1901 with responsibility for inspecting buildings to insure they were in compliance the ordinances related to building construction and fire protection. The Fire Marshall also inspects all fires and reports on the causes. The Department's mission is to curtail loss of life and property by fire through inspection and certification of building safety systems, public education, regulation of hazardous material storage, and fire suppression.

The Marine Fire Protection Project was established in 1973 to create a fire-safe environment for shipboard personnel, protect port facilities and the maritime economy, reduce the potential for large marine fires and environmental damage, provide highly trained personnel for ship fires, and encourage the fire service and the maritime community to cooperate in marine fire protection efforts. The first two years of active operation were funded by a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Commerce, State of Washington, and Seattle Fire Department. After this period, the project relied on funds donated by the marine industry. The budget restraints within the City of Seattle, combined with the lack of a permanent funding source, forced termination of the program on June 30, 1977.