 The independent city is home to a population of 448,479, not including the summer population growth due to tourism, making it the most populous city in Virginia and the 39th largest city in the United States.The Virginia Beach Fire Department has origins dating back to 1906 when the Town Council felt the need to provide fire equipment to protect the rapidly growing resort area and formed an all volunteer fire department.In 1928 the volunteers felt that the need had grown to require a paid system.