The Decoration was instituted by the Bavarian state government on 28 April 1953. Initially, there were three classes – bronze for 25 years, silver for 40 years and gold for 50 years active service in a volunteer or full-time fire brigade.

On 1 March 1972, the bronze award was eliminated and its holders were entitled to apply for a silver award.  The silver decoration is now awarded for 25 years’ active service and the gold for 40 years.