Most of the original buildings in La Crosse’s business district were damaged or destroyed by fires in 1857, 1862, 1864, and 1867. The 1857 fire in the business district was fought by ordinary citizens using a bucket brigade system. This fire sparked an interest in fire control in La Crosse.
In 1857, fire zones were set by the La Crosse Common Council. Within these limits, buildings had to be approved for a building permit by the Common Council and had to be built of brick or stone. The limits included Front and Second Streets with cross streets between Jay and Vine Streets. As the business district grew, the limits were extended to include Third Street in 1864 and Fourth Street in 1869.
During the early years after the city’s incorporation, the city relied on volunteer fire companies for fire control. Pioneer Engine Company No. 1, formed in the late 1850s, was the first company formed in La Crosse. Another company that was formed was the Washington Engine Company No. 2, whose name changed to the Washington Hose Company No. 2. Many volunteer fire companies were organized to protect the different wards of the city.
The city officers that controlled the fire companies were a chief engineer and three assistant engineers. At first these officers were nominated by the companies and approved by the council. It was changed when the office of the fire marshall was formed. After that the Common Council chose all of the city officers governing the fire companies. In 1896, a regular paid fire department was established. In 1897, a police and fire commission was formed and the council lost some of their control over the fire department.
The city’s first waterworks was designed mainly for fire protection. Fifteen cisterns were built around the city just for this purpose. In 1876, the La Crosse Lumber Company installed a private waterworks, pump, hydrants, and fire department for use by the mill. The city council decided to follow the example set by the city of Winona and build a system of water mains in 1877. Also following Winona's example, they paid the La Crosse Lumber Company to supply and operate the pumps to fill the system of water mains. In 1878, the council bought a pump for Davidson Mill on the North Side to have them supply water for fire protection to that part of town. In 1880, the city erected its own pump house on lower King Street. The second pump house was erected in 1884.
