St. Louis Fire Department

🔍The presents the St. Louis Fire Department’s role in protecting the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, better known today as the 1904 World’s Fair.

To safeguard one of the largest events ever hosted in St. Louis, the department assigned three Engine Companies and one Hook and Ladder Company to the fairgrounds. These companies were staffed by 44 firefighters, one blacksmith, and one clerk, all under the command of Assistant Chief A.P. Christy of the department’s Ninth District.

Recognizing the unique challenges presented by the exposition, organizers invested heavily in fire prevention and protection. A comprehensive fire protection system costing approximately $650,000 was installed throughout the grounds. More than 36 miles of water pipe were laid to serve the exposition buildings and surrounding property. Interior fire hydrants were placed approximately every 150 feet within exhibit buildings, each equipped with hose lines ready for immediate use.

Additional fire protection measures included sprinkler systems installed in elevated structures and beneath portions of the Art Building, while chemical fire extinguishers were strategically located throughout the fairgrounds. Fire alarm call boxes and telegraph systems provided rapid notification capabilities, and both firefighters and members of the Jefferson Guards received extensive training in fire prevention and emergency response.

The City also established Engine House No. 4 on the fairgrounds to respond to alarms within the exposition and provide protection to nearby properties outside the fair limits. Members of Engine Company 42 and Hook and Ladder Company 14 were among those assigned to fair duty.

Fire protection services were provided from March 27, 1903, through December 1, 1904. During that period, firefighters responded to 89 fires and 26 false alarms. Four incidents were considered significant fires on the grounds: the House of Hoo Hoo, the Ancient Rome Concession, the Jerusalem Concession Restaurant, and the Missouri State Building.

The largest of these occurred on November 19, 1904, when the Missouri State Building fire escalated to three alarms. Responding companies included Engine Companies 4, 7, 10, 17, 21, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35, and 42, Hook and Ladder Companies 5, 9, 10, and 14, along with Assistant Chief Christy and the auxiliary company provided by Chief Hale of Kansas City.

The successful protection of the World’s Fair demonstrated the St. Louis Fire Department’s ability to plan, adapt, and operate on an unprecedented scale. The systems, staffing, and fire prevention measures implemented for the exposition represented some of the most advanced fire protection practices of their era.

Please join us in congratulating 11 new members who have successfully completed the onboarding process and are now serving the citizens of .

Our newest Paramedics and EMTs have transitioned from the classroom to the field and are now helping deliver the high level of emergency medical care our community depends on every day.

We are proud to welcome you to the family, and look forward to your continued success in service to our city.

☀️ The Heat Advisory may expire tonight, but summer heat is just getting started!

Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, take breaks in cool spaces, and check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors.

🐾 Don’t forget your pets. Provide plenty of water, avoid hot pavement, and bring them indoors whenever possible.

🚨Outdoor Warning Siren Test🚨
***Today at 11:00 AM***

For the first time since the citywide repair and replacement initiative was completed, all 60 outdoor warning sirens will be tested simultaneously.

To ensure the highest level of reliability, St. Louis Fire Department personnel will be physically stationed at each siren throughout the city to verify proper operation and document performance.

This test is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure the system is operating at the standard St. Louisans expect and deserve.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the 25 graduating members of the Firefighter Lee Kraus Memorial Recruit Class.

After completing 28 weeks of demanding training, these probationary are now officially serving the citizens of . Their commitment, discipline, and sacrifice represent the next generation of service to our community.

Congratulations and welcome to the family.

Yesterday was a day to remember.

Brad Trower was promoted to Fire Captain in the morning. Just hours later, he was honored as Firefighter of the Year by the St. Louis Rotary Club, on his final day serving in the rank of Firefighter.

A rare and well-earned moment. Congratulations, Captain Trower!

Effective immediately, Fire Chief & Commissioner Dennis M. Jenkerson has promoted the following members:

Fire Captain Brad Trower (right)
Fire Captain Terrell Washington

These promotions reflect their dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving the City of St. Louis. Please join us in congratulating both on this well earned achievement.

We’re a little behind in sharing this one, but no less proud.

12 new members: 7 paramedics and 4 EMT-Bs have entered the St. Louis Fire Department Training Academy and begun their onboarding process.

The standard is set early. The work starts now.

Welcome to the family.