History of MFPD

On July22nd, 1887 a fire broke out in the C.A. Heath residence on Cascade Avenue opposite the artesian well No. 1. Two children were consumed in the flames and the house burned to the ground in the daytime while the children were at home alone. There must be more fire protection to enable us to help save lives and property.

“There will be a meeting of the citizens of Montrose this (Thursday) evening at 8:00 p.m. at the Grand Mesa Hotel, for the purpose of forming a hook and ladder company. It is hoped that everyone interested in this matter will be present, as it is of vast importance that a ladder company be formed. Let there be a good attendance” -September 27, 1888,
From this meeting the Montrose Hose Company No.1 was organized. The company had six members: James Donnelly, C.K. “Chat” Johnson, T.W. Monell, Fred Day, Frank Wyatt, W.H. Fleming.

From the history book “Montrose Fire Department – First 100 Years”.
Used with permission of Donna M. Freeman.