The Lolo Hotshots have roots in the beginnings of modern-day fire suppression history. Although the crew was officially recognized as a national shared resource in 1961 as one of the original 9 Interregional crews, the crew originated from the Blister Rust control crews (BRC) who performed important forest health mitigation work in areas affected by Blister Rust infection. These crews were used for local fire suppression assistance and because of their experience, were often requested for fire assignments outside the region. In 1961, due to the nation-wide demand for the more experienced, mobile and organized suppression crews, the Forest Service created Interregional Fire Suppression Crews. Two of these crews were placed in Region 1 (Northern Rockies) - one based on the Nez Perce National Forest at Slate Creek on the Salmon River (this crew no longer exists) and the other on the Lolo National Forest at Ninemile Ranger District, 30 miles west of Missoula, Montana.

From 1961-1970 the crew was based at the Ninemile Ranger District then was moved 40 miles west to the St.Regis Work Center in 1971 because the work center could accommodate 25 people. This proved to be a logistical problem for the crew so they moved back to Ninemile where they were based through the 1981 season. In 1982 the crew’s base of operations was moved to the Missoula Ranger District where it remains today.