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History of the Marion Fire Department

Submitted by Fire Department on Thu, 12/29/2005 - 10:05am. History

First Fire House

This is a photo of Marion's first Firehouse in 1876. This space is now the current location of Marion Square Mall.

The Marion Fire Department came into being in the spring of 1874. The great Chicago fire of 1871 and Marion’s own devastating fire in 1872 led many city leaders to the conclusion that an organized system of fire protection was needed. For $1800, Marion officials were able to procure two modern pieces of firefighting equipment, a Babcock chemical fire engine and a Hook and Ladder truck. Both of these carts were hand drawn, as horses weren’t readily affordable.

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