The Milwaukee Fire Department is marking its 150th anniversary this year, recognizing a long history of service to the community. In a recent Facebook post, the Milwaukee Fire Department highlighted several significant fires that occurred on May 15 between 1926 and 2018.
One of the incidents mentioned was a 3rd alarm fire at the United Coal & Dock Company in 1926. In 1949, another 3rd alarm fire broke out at a multi-use building on E. Ogden Street, where thirty-four firefighters were affected by smoke and fumes from a faulty refrigeration system. The most recent event occurred in 2018, when a 4th alarm fire damaged the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, reportedly caused by heating tools left by roof repair workers.
The department credited the Milwaukee Fire Historical Society & Fire Museum for providing materials and information about these events. More historical highlights will be shared throughout the year as part of the department’s anniversary efforts.
