Explore the rich history of the Evans Fire District and how we came to be.
Town of Evans founded in the winter of 1869.
Town of Evans acquired their first firefighting equipment in the 1890’s.
First Volunteer Fire companies were organized by Ed Overman in 1922.
Evans Volunteer Fire Department was organized on June 5, 1939.
In 1945, the Fire Department took over a building owned by the Town that was next door to current Fire Station 1. It was renovated to meet the needs of storing equipment and having meetings.
Ed Overman was named the Fire Chief.
In 1956, the town purchased a 1949 Ford as its first official fire truck.
This apparatus was still housed at Fire Station 1 and used for PR events until 2010 when it was given as a retirement gift to Fire Marshal Doug Melby.
In 1973, the Town of Evans adopted a Home Rule Charter and the City of Evans was born.
In 1975, the Fire Department built the current Station 1 with materials purchased by the City of Evans. The members of the Fire Dept. were the ones who did most of the construction.
Evans Volunteer Fire Department hired its first paid employee in January 1984, Doug Melby, to serve as the Fire Marshal.
In 1995, Station 2 was built at the current location to meet the growth to the west. Station 2 was known as Evans Fire Dept. West Side and Station 1 was known as Evans Fire Department East Side.
In 1996, Evans hired Larry Peterson as the first paid Fire Chief.
In 2000, the Evans Volunteer Fire Department became the City of Evans Fire Department; after which the City of Evans would take control.
In 2002, two part-time firefighters were hired to help with daytime staffing, as most of the volunteers were unable to respond to calls because of their jobs. The PT Firefighters worked Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday from 8-5 respectively.
January 2003 – Evans hired its first full-time firefighter, Rick Bjork; in the next two months two additional firefighters were hired to staff the first full-time engine company Monday to Friday from 8-5.
Additional 2 – 6 firefighters were hired between 2005 and 2006.
May 2006 – Evans completed an addition of larger apparatus bays and living quarters at Station 2 to accommodate recently hired firefighters, staffing the station 24/7.
November 2011 – the Evans Fire Protection District (EFPD) is formed after ballot measures were passed by the citizens of Evans which increased funding and the ability to meet the continued growth within the city.
September 2013 – The first new apparatus was purchased since 2000, to help update an aging apparatus fleet.
October 2017 – The Fire District completed a renovation of Station 2 to allow for administrative offices and increased staffing. This project was partially funded by a grant from DOLA.
January 2020 – EFPD’s last volunteer firefighter retires. Upon his retirement, EFPD became a fully paid organization for the first time in its over 80-year history.
November 2021 – EFPD celebrated the 10th anniversary of the formation of the District.
January 2024 – EFPD entered into an agreement with LaSalle & Platte Valley Fire Districts to share the services of a Fire Marshal to oversee Fire Prevention in all three communities.
June 5, 2024 – Between the volunteer fire department, city fire department and the Fire District, Evans firefighters have been protecting the City of Evans for over 85 years.
1943 – 792 residents
1985 – 6,000 residents
2000 – 9,500 residents
2012 – 19,000 residents
2024 – 24,000 residents
Fire at Lee King’s Harley Davidson Motorcycle Shop. Fire burned for 8 days before it was fully extinguished
Fire at Three Gables Inn (currently Heritage Inn)
Firefighters on scene for over 8 hours
Fire at Ramada Inn (currently Heritage Inn). Over $1 million in damages, multiple fire agencies assisted.
Fire at Mobile Plywood of Evans. Multiple fire agencies assisted; fire burned for 12 days before it was fully extinguished.
Fire at Wickes Lumber Company of LaSalle.
Estimated losses of $500,000; over 1.5 miles of fire hose was used.
Fire at a residence on the east side of town resulting in one fatality. This was the first recorded fire fatality in the history of the fire department.
A large wildland/urban interface fire occurred on the west side. Twelve area fire departments assisted as well as an air tanker from the State. No structures were lost.
Record rainfall the previous three days results in historic flooding on the south and east sides of Evans that damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes. Damage estimates were in the tens of millions of dollars. Firefighters rescued over 100 people and there were no fatalities.
A two-alarm fire occurred at a residence that resulted in two fatalities. Mutual aid was received from six neighboring fire departments. These were the second and third recorded fire fatalities in the history of Evans and the first in over 20 years.
"Together, we build a safer community."
