In 1870, the suggestion was made that Slough should have a fire service, but it was not until late in 1873 that the Slough Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed. There were 16 members, and Mr L A Shadwell was appointed Captain.

In their early days, the VFB met in the yard of the Royal Hotel. It was a central location, easy to find, and had space to drill and easy access to horses. At first, the VFB did not have a fire engine, but one was lent to them by Mr E J Coleman of Stoke Poges.

The VFB got their first fire engine in January 1874 - it cost £220, and part of the cost was funded by a £20 donation from Queen Victoria. The engine was driven through the town to the Royal Hotel, where a celebration dinner was held.

The first call to the fire brigade was in September 1874, from the Old Crown Hotel, but unfortunately it was never received. The first time they appeared in action was the following month, to deal with a burning hayrick near Aldin House.

In 1875, the VFB received a tender for the engine. Nicknamed 'The Baby', it could seat up to 8 people. In 1887 there were a further 2 improvements to fire-fighting locally. Firstly, modern fire hydrants were installed on High Street, William Street and Windsor Road. And secondly, the brigade got a telescopic ladder.

By this time there had already been two changes in the leadership of the VFB. In 1876 Captain Shadwell had to step down due to ill health, and was succeeded by his First Mate, A H Kennedy. And in 1884 Captain Kennedy had to retire, also due to ill health, and was replaced by Mr Arthur Turner.

The most significant year in the early life of the brigade was 1897, when they took possession of a purpose-built fire station, in Mackenzie Street close to the Royal Hotel. The funding, £1,000 was provided by James Elliman Jr, and the station was built by Mr H D Bowyer. The foundation stone was laid on September 8th, and the building was ready for use by December 29th.

In 1900, again thanks to a donation by James Elliman, the Brigade gained its first steam engine. It was christened 'Hannah', and a public demonstration given in Mackenzie Park.

The first time the Brigade attended a fire at which lives were lost was in 1903, thirty years after its formation. This was a fire in a school house in Baldwin's End, in which two Eton College boys were killed.