The Milwaukee Fire Department is celebrating a significant milestone this year, marking 150 years of continuous service to the community. As part of the festivities, the department is turning to social media to share moments from its storied past, detailing fires and events that have shaped its history. A recent Facebook post highlights significant fires that occurred on July 20 throughout different years.
The post began by recalling a second alarm fire at the Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company's car barn at 3rd & Burleigh on July 20, 1896, which underscores the dangers faced by firefighters at the turn of the century. More recently, on July 20, 2023, a third alarm fire was battled at the Sherman Gardens Apartments located at 5930-62 N. Sherman Boulevard. The Department honors these incidents as a testament to the bravery, and dedication of the men and women who have served the community over the years.
Over the years, July 20 has often been a day of action for Milwaukee's firefighters. For instance, in 1949, the Fireboat Deluge entered service, expanding the department's capacity to fight fires from the water. This addition showcased the department's commitment to evolving and adapting to meet the needs of a growing city. July 20, 1950, witnessed a second alarm fire at the Wisconsin Leather Company, and the pattern of service on this day continued with various other fires, such as the one in 1983 at the American Can Company on N. Teutonia Avenue.
