Prior to 1870 village trustees were given fire extinguishers and were responsible for
responding to small fires. In 1871, West Eau Claire received a third class Silsby steam
engine, and in 1875 the city purchased a second. The Eau Claire Fire Department was
established as a professional organization in 1887. Around the turn of the century a Police
and Fire Commission formed so that the department could steer clear of politics. The
department received its first piece of motorized equipment in 1912 and became completely
motorized by 1927.
In 1924 a new fire station was recommended by fire chief James Welsh. Welsh retired in 1937
as the oldest fireman in Wisconsin, having served for 48 years. The department continued to add
new and improved equipment over the years and in 1943 the Safety Building was built which
housed the Fire, Health and Police Departments. During the 1940s and 50s the National
Board of Fire Underwriters made several suggestions to the company regarding increasing
manpower. The department also installed new radios, built a new fire station and installed a
telephone fire alarm system with 42 boxes around the city.
Between 1968 and 1986 the Eau Claire Fire Department started a major redevelopment program,
with its final goal being to provide better service faster. Equipment and tools were
relocated, training programs developed, 911 dispatches became reality and 2 new fire
stations opened. It was during this time that the department ambulance and EMT service also
began. Over the years the Eau Claire Fire Department has added numerous other rescue
services such as hazardous materials handling, water/scuba rescue, radiological defense and
rappelling. The department also provides public education for fire prevention and pre-fire
planning, and specialized programs for schools and local businesses.
