History of the Sarnia Fire Department
Sarnia Fire Department
In 1840 a public meeting was held to organize some type of fire protection. The St. Clair #1 Volunteer Fire Brigade was organized as a result of this meeting.
In 1857 four fire companies were organized with some 120 “call men” (volunteers). These were the St. Clair Engine Co., the Hook and Ladder Co., the Beaver Hose Co., and the Phoenix Engine Co. In that era Officers were elected by men on a yearly basis. The Chief as we call him today was known as the Fire Warden.
In 1858 the site at 168 George Street was purchased for a cost of $1,300.00 and the cost to build the station was $3,500.00.
In 1859 City Council purchased the first new Phoenix Fire Engine. In October of that year they purchased a new hook and ladder at a cost of $112.25.
In 1892 horses were introduced to the fire department which reduced the number of volunteers to 19. In 1912 four permanent men were hired and there were eight “call men”.
In 1918 the first pumper truck was purchased, the staff increased to eight permanent firemen and eight “call men”. In 1922 the fire department had a compliment of 12 permanent men. The call system was abolished and a 2 platoon system was established.
The last two horses in the fire department were retired from service and at this time one additional pumper was purchased. Another pumper truck was purchased in 1925, which brought the fire apparatus inventory to 4 trucks, One Fire Engine and 3 pumper trucks.
In 1940 our staff increased to 32 permanent firemen. In 1948 the Sarnia Fire Department purchased a new Pirsch 75 foot mechanical Aerial Ladder truck. In 1951 two new American LaFrance pumpers were purchased.
In 1952 #2 Fire Station opened at 300 Huron Boulevard in Blue Water and one additional pumper was purchased. In 1954 #3 Station was opened at 1133 Colborne Road and it is still at that location today.
In 1955 another pumper was purchased, staff increased to 73 men in 1961, and stayed at that complement until 1965 when staff increased to 74 and then to 75 in 1966. In 1991 the City of Sarnia amalgamated with the Town of Clearwater, and today in 2004 our complement is 118 personnel consisting of the Chief, the Deputy Chief, 3 Fire Prevention Officers, a Public Education Officer, 2 Safety Training Officers, 4 Platoon Chiefs, 24 Captains, 77 Fire Fighters, 1 Mechanic and 2 Administrative Assistants.
