In response to the devastating Bridge Street fire on March 23, 1873, the City of Waco established the Waco Volunteer Fire Department on April 3 just a few days later. The department’s first company was Rescue Hook & Ladder No. 1, followed shortly thereafter by Engine Co. 1.
As Waco's population grew throughout the late 19th century, so did its fire service infrastructure. By the end of the century, the department had expanded to five stations strategically located around the city to service a population of over 20,000 residents. For the first 44 years of fire services in Waco, the Waco Fire Department relied on dedicated volunteers to protect the City. However, the need for around-the-clock fire protection eventually required the employment of firefighters to staff stations overnight when some of the worst fires typically occur.