Lancaster Fire Department

History

The Lancaster Fire Department was organized in 1908 and consisted of thirteen members and a horse drawn wagon. Members of the department, along with help from the community by way of "the bucket brigade" developed methods of controlling and extinguishing fires.

The fire alarm consisted of a shotgun blast to alert firemen that they were needed to respond to a fire in the community. The department's equipment was housed in two sheds attached to the rear of the Lancaster Police Department, located in the 100 block of North Main Street. In 1935, the City of Lancaster purchased three pieces of motorized fire apparatus and a structure was needed to house the new apparatus. This structure was the first firehouse in Lancaster and was built of block, brick, and mortar by workers of the WPA (Workers Progress Administration). The structure was attached to the north side of the Lancaster Police Department at the same location. This structure served as the Lancaster Fire Department until 1971, when a second fire station was erected at 401 East Arch Street and the old station was closed. A third station was erected in 1985 at 453 Hubbard Drive directly across from USC-L and is referred to as The University Station.

The fire department was all volunteer until 1969, at which time the City of Lancaster hired career members to man the station and assist volunteer firefighters on the fire ground.