Vancouver Fire Department celebrates 150th anniversary in April

VANCOUVER — This month, the Vancouver Fire Department celebrates 150 years of service to the community. To commemorate this landmark year, a mural by local artist Guy Drennan will be painted on the North wall of the Walgreen’s Pharmacy building, located at 2515 Main Street, this spring.

The Vancouver Fire Department is one of the oldest in Washington, preceding cities such as Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane. The department was formed in response to a major fire in the summer of 1866 which destroyed eight closely located wooden buildings on a downtown City block. On April 1, 1867 the city consolidated three local fire companies to establish a department.

To commemorate the Vancouver Fire Department’s 150 years of service to the community, a mural by local artist Guy Drennan will be painted on the North wall of the Walgreen's Pharmacy building, located at 2515 Main Street, this spring. Photo courtesy of city of Vancouver
To commemorate the Vancouver Fire Department’s 150 years of service to the community, a mural by local artist Guy Drennan will be painted on the North wall of the Walgreen’s Pharmacy building, located at 2515 Main Street, this spring. Photo courtesy of city of Vancouver

“We are proud of the Vancouver Fire Departments long and rich history in the community,” said Fire Chief Joe Molina. “Today, the City operates ten stations with 210 employees and is looking forward to improved response times with replacement Fire Stations 1 and 2 opening this year.”

Fire Stations 1 and 2, anticipated to open fall 2017, will improve response times, as well as maximize the efficiency of coverage from all four stations in the southwest part of the City. Fire Station 2, currently located at 400 W. 37th St. is being relocated to E. Norris Road just south of E. Fourth Plain Boulevard. Fire Station 1, currently located at 900 W. Evergreen Blvd. is being relocated to 2607 Main St. on the northeast corner of E. Fourth Plain Boulevard.

The Vancouver Fire Department’s first motorized apparatus, circa 1913, is shown here. Photo courtesy of city of Vancouver
The Vancouver Fire Department’s first motorized apparatus, circa 1913, is shown here. Photo courtesy of city of Vancouver

Follow the Fire Department’s Facebook page (www.facebooks.com/vancouverUSFire) for a photographic history of the department through April 30. Learn more about the history of the Vancouver Fire Department at http://www.cityofvancouver.us/fire/page/history.

Information provided by the city of Vancouver.

This 1884 Silsby 5th Class Pumper was once used by the Vancouver Fire Department. Photo courtesy of city of Vancouver
This 1884 Silsby 5th Class Pumper was once used by the Vancouver Fire Department. Photo courtesy of city of Vancouver
A 1904 Metropolitan Steamer used by the Vancouver Fire Department is shown here. Photo courtesy of city of Vancouver
A 1904 Metropolitan Steamer used by the Vancouver Fire Department is shown here. Photo courtesy of city of Vancouver
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