History of the 108 Fire Department

 

One thing you could always get people to agree on was the need for fire protection in our Community. That was especially true back in 1970 when wood heat and chimney fires were much more common. In those first years, if you had a fire, you called the Block Bros. Sales Office and a makeshift crew of local volunteers would be summoned by a siren and telephone. They would show up in their pickups, with shovels and buckets and try to help. The need for a fire hall with firefighting equipment was obvious to everyone. By December 1970 there were about 700 lots sold and almost 75 homes or cabins built. The community was still very small, but everyone was supportive and engaged in this effort to create an effective fire department. It was a time of bake sales, Bingo, dances and other fund raisers to support a new Fire hall.

In April 1971, plans were under way to have water tank truck standing by at all times along with hoses and some other fire suppression tools. By mid 1972 there were almost 300 buildings at the 108, including the motel and several stores. While planning had long been under way the decision was taken by the 108 Council to get started. The 108 Volunteer Fire Department was officially formed in June and at that time had at its disposal one modified flat deck truck as well as Block Brother's tank truck. It was time to build a hall and buy the used fire truck Fire Chief Karl Lysell had been looking at. Block Bros provided the land on Easzee drive as well as another $3000 towards equipment. Olaf Hansen of 108 Supply was providing building materials at cost. There were many many local volunteers who put in long hours to bring the 108 Fire Hall into being. The cost of construction for the original 1000 square foot Hall was under $10,000.

The Historic picture below, taken by Duncan Meyers shows the Hall under construction in 1972 along with our first stalwart  fire department volunteers. Left to right.

Dick McDermid, Rod Beaton, Neil Christianson, Karl Lysell (Chief), Ed Erwin, Nick Addison, Svend Hansen, Karl Nielson, Tom Highland.

SF/2017

article by Sandy Foster.