Fire Destroys the Business Section of Downtown Black River
February 20, 1890, a disastrous fire destroys the business section of downtown Black River. Burned out were; “The Poor Block” (a three story building with an opera house on the third floor); D.J. Scott and Son’s Block; “The Arthur House” (a hotel); Parkinson’s Store (the old 1881 post office); Whipple and Hadsell’s store; F.H. Dillenbeck’s Tinshop and Hardware Store; A.W. McDowell’s Store; George Graham’s Barber Shop; the I.O.O.F. Hall and two dwellings. The Kennedy stone house was badly burned but was later restored. Having no fire department, the village officials and the residents of Black River immediately made plans to organize one later that year.
The Begininng
Organized as the Black River Fire Company No. 1 September 4, 1890
Incorporated
January 3, 1891, Incorporated as the Black River Fire Company No. 1`
The Water Works and Fire Hydrants wereInstalled.
1910 and 1911, The water works and fire hydrants were installed. A church bell that once belonged to a church in Evans Mills would be used to summon the firefighters to an alarm. When the bell was brought back to Black River, it was placed on two saw horses and used that way until the tower and new addition were finished on the village hall.
Chemical Extinguishers were Purchased
February 1913, two large chemical extinguishers were purchased by the village and place in one of the hose carts, thus enhancing the firefighting capabilities of the fire company.
A Fire Police Squad was Formed
April 1917, A fire police squad was formed. Their main duties were to direct whatever traffic on the way to the fire and warn the nearby residents at the fire scene.
Firefighting Practices
- 1925, Firefighting practices, mainly done in the village of Black River limits, were also provided for the outlying areas. The hose carts would be towed by an automobile to the fire.
Acquire a Motorized Fire Truck
September 1925, it was considered to acquire a motorized fire truck.
Joined the New York State Fireman’s Association
New Fire Truck
Early 1926, a new fire truck was purchased by the village. This vehicle was a Sanford chemical truck with an open cab, no windshield and also had a hose bed.
Fireman's Uniforms
July 07, 1926, purchased 30 fireman’s uniforms at $25.00 each.
Turnout Gear
January 04, 1928, considered buying firefighting turnout gear.
Municipal Fire Alarm System
June 05, 1928, Municipal Fire Alarm System with remote alarm boxes were installed. Presently one of the fire alarm boxes is still in use and located at the front of the fire station.
Purchased a 1929 Lincoln Chassis
1935, the village purchased a 1929 Lincoln chassis and had it rebuilt into a squad car, which mainly was used to carry hose to fires within the village. This vehicle was later equipped with a front mounted water pump to greatly enhance its firefighting capabilities.
Re-Incorporated
February 21, 1940, Re-Incorporated as the Black River Fire Department, Inc.
Contract Signed with the Town of LeRay
March 06, 1940, A contract was signed with the Town of LeRay for $400.00 a year. This contract was split between Evans Mills and Black River fire departments, each receiving $200.00
Contract Signed with the Town of Rutland
May 01, 1940, A contract was signed with the entire Town of Rutland for $500.00 a year.
Joined Jefferson County Volunteer Firemen’s Association
“OWLS” Firematics Drill Team Formed
September 04, 1940, The Black River “OWLS” firematics drill team was formed and Lynn Henderson was the first team captain.
Jefferson County Mutual-Aid System went into effect.
Three Companies Formed
Three individual truck companies with Captains were formed.
Training
December 05, 1949, members started taking New York State fire training course.
New Fire Station
June 13, 1953, Construction was completed on the new village hall/Fire Station complex and a dedication ceremony was given.
Monthly Tests
November 06, 1957, Monthly siren tests were started by the county.
Breathing Apparatus
February 04, 1958, the department purchased it’s first breathing apparatus, they consisted of four Chem-Ox canister type smoke masks.
Telephone Fire Alarm System
January 07, 1959, A telephone fire alarm system was installed, replacing the present telegraph system being used. Six fire phones, with siren activating switches, were placed in strategic locations throughout the village.
Six Fire Zones
December 02, 1970, Jefferson County was divided into six fire zones, with Black River being in zone 5 and Fire Chief Dave Ambrose was appointed as the Deputy Fire Coordinator of zone 5.
Line Operation of the Department Reorganized
April 04, 1973, the line operation of the department was re-organized into four companies: (2) engine companies, a tanker company and a rescue company. With a fleet of new vehicles now, training was the top priority in the department.
First Call for Mutual Aid for Fort Drum.
August 05, 1981, it was stated to Jefferson County Fire Control by Fort Drum Fire Department, that Black River Fire Department was on first call for mutual-aid for Fort Drum.
New Station
October 07, 2001, the department moved into its new station at 218 Leray St. which it still currently operates out of.