History 1885 - 1892

Old Fire station In 1885, the Fire Department was increased by the addition of ten more men, two chemical engines, two hose carts and the building of Station #3 at East 12th and Des Moines Streets. Twenty years later, or in 1905, this station was made a double company station.

In 1886, Station #4, a wood frame building, was built at West 8th and Laurel Streets.

In 1887, Station #5 was built at West 17th and Crocker Streets, and seven more men were added to the department. Ten years later, in 1897, this station was made a double company station.

In 1890 Station #6 was built at South Union Street and Edison Avenue. The Fire Department consisted of 52 men, 29 horses and 6 fire stations; had an inventory of 9,700 feet of rubber hose and 1,000 feet of cotton hose. On April 14th, the then famous Starch Works fire occurred, when the story was told that so much starch was blown around the City, the horses thought it was snow and froze to death. The C. Gilbert Starch Works was located in the Chesterfield area (southeast section of the City).


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City of Des Moines, Iowa
Fire Department