Nearby History: The early days of the Colfax Fire Department

In 1881, a fire almost completely wiped out Main Street in Colfax. The city was hardly rebuilt when in 1882 another severe fire erupted. This fire destroyed more than 25 major buildings and many smaller ones.

To call firefighters in case of an emergency, a large bell, tuned to the key of C, was purchased that could be heard for 4 miles under favorable conditions. In the late 1880s, with the installation of electricity in town, an electric fire alarm was finally installed.

The water supply for fighting fires was originally hand pumped from the river. In 1886, a water system was developed that improved water access and allowed a number of fire hydrants throughout town.

Engine Company No. 1 had been in operation for some time when a meeting was called by Colfax residents to organize the Hook and Ladder Company, a second fire company. Due to lack of communication, the two groups were combined in 1890 and elected one fire chief.

Over the years, the fire department has dealt with structure fires, floods, car accidents and grain fires. If there is an emergency the fire department has been there to help restore order.

To read more, including stories, interesting facts, and local history of the Colfax Fire Department, check out “COLFAX 100 Plus” by Edith Erickson at the Whitman County Library.

Buchholtz works at the Colfax branch of Whitman County Library in collection development and cataloging. She is also the program manager for Whitman Heritage Digital Collections.