History of Fire Dept
Late 1800s
The first fire station was at the corner of Main Street and Washington Avenue adjacent to what was then City Hall. The apparatus consisted of a steam engine water pump and two hose carts pulled by horses to the scene until 1891 when the waterworks system was completed.
A group of 30 volunteers organized the Albert Lea Bucket Brigade on Nov. 22.
1870
1879
Seeing a need for a better organization to protect its residents, the City of Albert Lea formed the Albert Lea Fire Department Chief F.B. Fobes on Aug. 5.
The new City Hall on North Broadway Avenue also housed the Fire Department on two floors.
1903
1918
The first motor-driven water pump truck was put into service Aug. 18, leading to a new era of apparatus used for firefighting.
The city continued to invest in modern firefighting equipment.
1930
1948
On May 1, the fire department transitioned to a fully-paid organization to better serve residents and businesses.
The Fire Department moved into the newly built City Hall at 221 East Clark St.
1968
1991
The City of Albert Lea entered into an agreement with the Albert Lea Township Fire Department on Oct. 15 to become a combination department, with the township acting as part-time firefighters for the Albert Lea Fire Department.
The city started building a a new fire station at 417 S. Newton Ave. with many features designed to protect the health of firefighters. The station also provides training and meeting space for other departments and partner agencies.
2018