In 1969 legislation was passed creating a state advisory council on fire service education and research. The council was provided with funding and was to report back to the legislature. After three reports were presented, this council was scheduled to expire. Encouraged by strong fire service and public support, an effort was launched in the 1976 session to reinstate the council.
On May 6, 1976 Governor Wendell Anderson issued Executive Order No. 126 creating an Advisory Committee on Fire Service Education. That Executive Order remained effective through December 31, 1978 when Executive Order No. 187 on December 15, 1978 created the Governor's Council on Fire Prevention and Control. Successive governors have preserved and continued the council through executive order action.
In 1992 the Council began reporting directly to the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. The Council annually meets with the Commissioner to deliver its Annual Report.