History

Timeline

  • 1869: After several serious conflagrations, a group of citizens banded together and formed a bucket brigade.
  • 1871: The first hand operated fire pump was placed in service.
  • 1910: The city began a slow evolution to a professional department. The first five salaried fire fighters were hired at $50 per month to perform "fire department and street duty."
  • 1930: The department was now fully motorized with two combination pumper/hose trucks, a straight hose truck and a chief’s car.
  • 1995: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Fire Fighters merge into one unit.
  • 2018: Recognized for Best Practices by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association (TFCA).
  • 2019: Partnered with South Texas Blood and Tissue Center to provide whole blood on ambulances.
  • 2021: The department celebrated 150 years of service to the city of Victoria!

How You Can Help

We are currently looking for any information concerning the history of the Victoria Fire Department. We have located former Victoria Fire Engine 909 at the Texas Fire Museum in Dallas, Texas. Engine 909 is a 1954 International/Howe Fire Apparatus Engine. The Victoria Fire Department still owns Engine 923, a 1923 Seagrave Fire Engine. If you have any questions or additional information about the History of Victoria Fire Department, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 361-485-3460.

Engine 1

Engine 1 an American La France The first pumper purchased from Elmira, New York for $3000. The vehicle arrived in Victoria on  November 26, 1916.  It was sold in 1946 to the City of Bloomington for $1. 

Engine 1 Baby Henry

Central Fire Station Victoria Fire Department 1930s