In 1974, following a large fire at the San Manuel High School, it became obvious that the fire protection in the mining community of San Manuel was inadequate. This major event sparked the towns employer, Magma Copper Mine, to begin a small fire brigade. This small fire brigade focused on the most advanced training possible to insure the town was protected against fire.

The fire brigade continued to grow and became more advanced through the years proving to be a valuable asset to the community. in 1984, it was determined that the fire brigade could serve the community as a fully functioning fire department and San Manuel Fire Department was born.