The Office of Strategic Planning Division was established in 1996, replacing the Special Services Division.  The Office of Strategic Planning Division was established in recognition of the trend in the fire service towards a multifaceted organization.  Nationally, the requirement of an Incident Command System for all types of emergencies, including, but not limited to, catastrophic, man-made, or natural disasters has been adopted by the fire service.  Massachusetts state regulations and the Boston City Ordinances mandate the Fire Department as the lead agency for these emergencies.  The Boston Fire Department accepted this role in the past, and with the establishment of the Office of Strategic Planning Division, prepares for the future.

The Office of Strategic Planning Division is comprised of Planning and Logistics, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Office, and the Office of Emergency Management.