The Breitenbush Fire Department began operation in April of 2005 as a part of the Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center north of Detroit, Oregon along the Breitenbush River. During the fall of 2006 a newly-formed board began meeting, representing both the Breitenbush and adjacent summer homes communities. The goal, to provide first response fire protection, search and rescue, and emergency medical services for this remote area, working in conjunction with other area agencies. Today the Breitenbush Fire Department commonly known as the 'BFD' is a non-profit 501c3 organization with a board of directors representing the two communities. The service area includes the hot springs retreat and conference center and its 60 member community, 72 summer homes on U.S. Forest Service leased properties, two U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds and 300 dispersed campsites, and the southern part of forest service road 46 between Detroit and Estacada, Oregon.