History

Organizing of Fire District #3:July 13, 1917, a fire that started in Warren Platt’s butcher shop nearly wiped out the town. Hot grease caught fire when a helper was rendering lard. Later in the afternoon a northwest wind was blowing, causing flames to spread rapidly, and within an hour six buildings were in ashes; the meat market, Johnny Dormaier’s general store, Axel Jonson’s law office, the post office Fred Renz’s novelty store and a vacant restaurant (The Little gem). Most of the papers were saved from the post office and the law office. Little insurance was carried and the total loss was estimated at from $12-15,000.

Fire Protection District No. 3 was organized -July 7, 1942 before the Board of Commissioners of Grant County Washington, a resolution was filled to establish a fire protection at boundaries of said district to comprise the lands and premises within the following described legal description, exclusive of the cities and towns within the said area.

On June 12, 1942 an election was held, and the auditor certified that more than two-thirds of all the votes cast at said election were cast in favor of this proposition; and it further appearing as said election that the following commissioners for said district; J.A. Weber, Matt Dishaw, and E.B. Crumb, were elected as the first commissioners of said district.

A few Fires of History to Note: On June 1, 1908, a five-foot high stone foundation was constructed for a 34 x 36 foot building with an additional warehouse 34 x 60 feet. The plant was equipped with automatic scales, wheat cleaner, feed grinder and the latest elevating device. The elevator would house 35,000 bushels of wheat while the warehouse could hold 60,000. (This was known as the Quincy Farmers Elevator Company) Additionally, in 1915, a steel tank 35 feet in diameter and 40 feet high was built. It was in this tank that Eugene Huffman nearly lost his life during the fire on March 12, 1916 that destroyed the elevator and warehouse. Sparks from a passing train started the fire on a Sunday afternoon. Gene was overcome by smoke and had fallen inside the tank. There was much apprehension while three men, Warren Greenlee, Walter Blanchette and Norman Johnson, risked their lives to rescue Gene. On the first attempt the rope broke and he was again dropped into the tank. Conrad Weber, the only one on the scene with a car, dashed to Banko’s store for more rope and the rescue was accomplished. 30,000 bushels of wheat in the steel tank were scorched.

Total Incidents per year; District and City:

• 1960~ 150     1961~ 136
• 1962~ 110     1963~ 144
• 1964~ 143     1965~ 69
• 1966~ 124     1967~ 168
• 1968~ 128     1969~ 196
• 1970~ 155     1971~ 136
• 1972~ 99

In 1973 Records have a distinction in the numbering system to determine City from District: