Warren Engine Co. celebrates 137 years

The Warren Engine Co. No. 1 hasn't missed a day serving Carson City since 1863.

Today, the volunteer fire company turns 137 years old.

"We've been here longer than Nevada has been a state," said Don Blanchard, Warren Engine Co. president. "We've been serving the citizens of Carson City every day since June 17, 1863."

Blanchard said the the company is the oldest continuously operating volunteer fire service west of the Mississippi River. Although he said there are some who will argue with that, "we haven't missed a day in 137 years," he said.

The company was one of three volunteer fire services protecting a young Carson City in 1863. Somewhere along the way, city fathers designated the Warren Engine Co. as the official fire protection group for the city.

Now, the 30-member volunteer group serves as a backup service to the Carson City Fire Department.

"It takes a lot to be volunteers," Blanchard said. "A lot have families, there is a lot of training. It takes lots of hours, but it's our way of giving back to the community."

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and attend training, although Blanchard said the group is working on starting an Explorer's Station through the Boy Scouts for ages 14 to 18. The youth would be trained as firefighters and could become volunteer firefighters on their 18th birthday.

Volunteers will have an annual birthday party tonight to celebrate 137 years in the fire protection business.

Fire Station No. 1 houses the Fire Museum dedicated to the Warren Engine Co. The museum includes the state's first motorized fire engine as well as hand- and horse-drawn fire carts.

A history of firefighting and fire equipment can be found at the museum at 777 S. Stewart Ave. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. Call 887-2210 ext. 25 to schedule a tour of the museum or for information on the Warren Engine Co.