The Lexington Fire Department is celebrating its 150th anniversary in September. A number of activities are scheduled later this month. Fire Chief Jason Wells offered a brief rundown to the Lexington City Council last week. The chief said early interest in providing fire protection came just 15 years after Lexington was founded. “In 1790 a group of prominent community members met at Brent’s Tavern on Main Street and formed the Lexington Fire Company. In 1812 a rash of fires prompted the formation of Lexington’s first fire insurance company, Kentucky Mutual Insurance,” said Wells.
The city fire department wouldn’t be formally organized until 1871.
Wells said one highlight of the anniversary celebration will be a muster exhibit of vintage fire apparatus at the Hamburg Shopping Center. “We currently have about 19 fire trucks signed up from all parts of the country. And they have friendly competitions with bucket brigades and flow in water and, if we’re lucky, we might actually get to see one of those old steam fire engines operate,” said Wells.
Wells said there are also plans for a parade, homecoming open house, and a blood drive. All six living fire chiefs in Lexington are to be honored September 16th at City Hall.
