After the East side of the square burned on Dec. 23, 1875 a fire department was immediately organized. The first regular meeting was held on Jan.7, 1876. The company was operated in two divisions. At this time there were 67 members. The first festival was given by the Firemen on Mar. 2, 1877. They cleared $181.05. By 1903 there were three companies with 84 members. These companies will be remembered as the Harris Hook and Ladder Co., the Fisher Hose Co., and the Clipper Hose Co. At this time a committee was appointed to solicit funds to purchase harness, horses and wagon. This was done with the understanding that the city supply two men at the station at all times. At that time Pac and Pac were purchased from John Blue on the recommendation of E. E. Powell. Harry Maloney was then fire chief. Pac and Pac were taken to the different races and always won first place at the Southwest Iowa tournaments.

  Pac and Pac were sold in 1912. After that three other teams were used  and then in 1918 all the equipment was motorized.

  Under the leadership of Chas Luppold as chief a new Reo chemical truck was purchased in 1918 and a new Reo Pumper truck in 1919.

   In April 1927 Chas. Luppold retired and Clarence Stephenson became chief. In 1929 the American LaFrance 750-gallon pumper was purchased. It is still in use. In 1931 the fire station had its "face lifted" and the front of the building was remodeled. In 1941 and infant Iron Lung, Trailer and various first aid equipment was added. In 1942 a Ford 500 pumper was added. By 1947 there had been many floods so our farsighted fire department secured a boat and outboard motor. It was not long before it was put to use in the worst flood of Red Oak's history in June 1947.  With all this new equipment, the department was bursting at the seams so a new addition was built on in 1948. Soon after this the first emergency unit truck was delivered in Sept. 1948.

   The department now numbers about 30 members -- two paid and 28 volunteers. All of these have passed the Red Cross Advanced Course in First Aid. The present fire chief is Neil Frank.

   Many organizations have cooperated in furnishing the following equipment which is available for the use of anyone in the county at no cost other than transportation.

   Four wheel-chairs given by the Legion, Red Cross and Mr. Byers.

   Four hospital beds, donated by BPW and the Red Cross   

   Four polio-walkers, courtesy of BPW, legion Auxiliary and Polio Fund. 

   One polio heat packer presented by BPW.

    Many organizations and individuals have cooperated with the Eagles, their Auxiliary, the Red Oak Express and the Ezpress and the Chamber of Commerce in securing the new, larger emergency unit truck which was delivered August 15, 1953.

In Early 1912 "Dude and Dandy" would hear the fire gong and be off in a minute.

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Disasters

  Dec. 23, 1875 --East side of the public square burned out.

  Sept. 1882 -- Houghton and Bishop Opera House at the northeast corner of the square burned. The loss was $25,000.

  Apr. 24, 1902 -- The entire south side of the square burned at a loss of over $200,000.

  June, 1902 -- Red Oak Creek went on the rampage. It was three or four blocks wide and covered the square. Much new lumber had been hauled to the south side of the square for rebuilding and much was carried down-stream. Later the stream was straightened relieving the danger.

  June 1916 -- Nishnabotna flood

  June 1947 -- The worst flood in the city's history

  There have been several fires disastrous to local businesses.

1953 Fire Department and Equipment