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The City of El Dorado Springs was founded in 1881. The early history of the town recorded many structure fires. So many that the City established the first department by ordinance, December 19, 1892. The fire department was called “The Mascot Hook and Ladder Company”. The first piece of equipment purchased was a Howe Combined Chemical and Water Engine No. 4 for $650.00.

In 1901 a city water and sewage system was authorized by the citizens. This provided a significant improvement in water supply for the fire department.

On December 19, 2017, the department was 125 years old. Over this long lifespan many things about firefighting, such as equipment, techniques and training have changed. One thing that has remained constant is the fact that our department has been a viable group of volunteers. The community is truly fortunate and blessed to have such dedicated individuals willing to give so much of their time in such a dangerous undertaking.

Serving on today’s fire department is much different than it once was. Today’s department has more responsibilities than just firefighting. Not only has firefighting itself changed, but also departments today must be trained in handling hazardous material spills, vehicle crash rescues and search and rescue. Firefighters must receive extensive training in these areas as well as firefighting. Our department also provides fire safety education for children in the various school systems. Our firefighters are also trained as severe weather spotters protecting our community from life-threatening tornadoes and violent storms. Finally, our department provides rural fire protection on a subscription basis to approximately 1,000 members. When you consider all these demands that are placed on these volunteers, their value to the community becomes obvious.

Currently, the fire department has nine vehicles divided between two stations. The equipment in the Main Street Station responds to city fires. The Annex Station on West Fields Street has equipment that responds primarily to rural fires. Vehicles include three pumper trucks (1996, 1980, 1968), two brush trucks (1996, 1990), one 1984 rescue truck, one 1988 service truck, three water tankers and an All-Terrain Vehicle for grass fires.

The Insurance Services Office performs a periodic in-depth evaluation of fire departments across the country. The evaluation looks at a fire department’s equipment, training and personnel and rates them on a number of criteria. The evaluation also covers the water supply system and emergency communications. An overall rating is developed for these major components. The property insurance industry then uses these ratings in determining your home owners and commercial property insurance rates. Several years ago, the community fire rating was lowered form an 8 to a 7. In December of 2008, the City learned that the community fire rating was lowered from a 7 to a 4 and the rural rating from a 9 to a 5/8B. This is a tremendous improvement. The new rating went into effect March 1, 2009. The result should be lower premiums for most businesses and residences.

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