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.
“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.
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.
