Volunteer Fire Department

The TFVFD was formed in 1914, three (3) years after the City of Three Forks (the “City”) incorporated. During the 1960s, rural residents around the City formed the Three Forks Rural Fire District (the “District”), one of the largest fire districts in Gallatin County. The District encompasses approximately two hundred (200) square miles in Gallatin, Broadwater, and Jefferson counties, including twelve (12) miles of Interstate 90. The TFVFD provides manpower, fire suppression, rescue and other services to both the City and the District. It also houses District-owned equipment.

TFVFD membership may consist of up to twenty-eight (28) volunteer firefighters, including five officers. Both City and District revenues fund TFVFD.

TFVFD responds to an average of 200 calls per year. Of these calls, approximately 27% are motor vehicle collisions or rescues; 27% are calls that have been cancelled while in route; 26% are miscellaneous service calls, spills, or downed lines; 13% are grass or wild land fires; and, 7% are structure fires. The average duration of structure fire calls is four (4) hours. Grass and wild land fires average two (2) hours. All other calls average ninety (90) minutes.

Volunteer Firefighter Application

Fuel Reimbursement Program

Chief & Assistant Chief

Keith Aune has been a proud member of the Three Forks Fire Department since 1990. With over three decades of experience, he has dedicated his life to serving and protecting the Three Forks community. In 2014, Keith stepped into the role of Fire Chief, where he continues to lead the department with passion, integrity, and a focus on teamwork.

Keith is also a vital part of our command staff, bringing advanced skills in extrication to the table. Whether he’s on the scene of a rescue or mentoring firefighters on lifesaving techniques, Keith is committed to safety and preparedness.

Charles Eastty has been a proud member of the Three Forks Fire Department since 2009. Throughout his tenure, Charles has served in numerous key roles, including Battalion Chief, Training Officer, and Captain, showcasing his dedication to leadership and professional development.

In 2024, Charles was appointed as the Assistant Chief, a role in which he continues to contribute his expertise and commitment to the department. As a member of the command staff, Charles specializes in Incident Command, as an Incident Safety Officer, and specializes in structural firefighting, ensuring the department operates efficiently and safely during emergencies.
With years of experience and a passion for serving the community, Assistant Chief Eastty is a vital leader in the department’s mission to protect and serve Three Forks and its surrounding areas.

Fire Department Business Meetings

For minutes, please contact the City Office.

For agendas, visit the Calendar of Events page.

Three Forks Volunteer Fire Department Implements a Junior Firefighter Program!

For many, this program will be the first step in a career with the fire service. Our youth are the future of this Department and we hope you enjoy the experience.

The job expands far beyond just fighting fire. The Department respond to car accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous conditions and many other emergencies in the community. “We are people’s first call when they are having their worst day.” The public expects the Fire Department to respond quickly and courteously, to help them deal with often times the unthinkable. As a Junior Member, you will exemplify the best our community has to offer.

Interested in this opportunity? Click the links below to learn more and apply.

Junior Firefighter Program

Junior Firefighter Application & Parental Waiver

Fire Hall Addition

Three Forks submitted 3 grant applications: Library ADA door replacement and re-roofing, Fire Hall addition, and City Hall remodel. Unfortunately, the Fire Hall was not awarded a grant, as an addition was not considered maintenance. However, the Council felt the Fire Hall was still a priority so will be using Fire Department Capital Improvement Funds to build an additional ADA bathroom with shower, one non-ADA bathroom with shower, and a small training/office space off the back of the existing building. Since this project is not under the timeline constraints of grant funding, this will begin once City Hall is complete.