Merced Fire Department established November 3, 1873.
Original name Merced Engine Company No.1.
Renamed to Eureka Engine Company No.1 April 18, 1874.
First Engine House built in 1885, on 18th St., between Canal and M.
1907 new station built on the corner of 18th and M.
Modern new station built in 1953 replacing the previous two.
October 24, 1997 Central Fire Station and Administrative Offices moved to 99 E. 16th
Merced County Courthouse Museum.
The Merced City Fire Department mascot is old betsy, a Hand Pumper built in the 1860's, which holds the record water stream distance from a hand pumper, and is on display daily at the local museum.
Total Stations: 5 Fire Stations, 1 Training Tower.
Total Apparatus: 5 Frontline Engines, 3 Reserve Engines, Frontline Truck, Reserve Truck, Rehab Unit, Aircraft Crash / Fire Engine, OES Engine, Rescue Trailer, Public Education Trailer, HAZMAT Decon Trailer, Fire Prevention Vehicles, Administrative Vehicles and Support Vehicles. In addition to Old Betsy mentioned on display at the museum, we also have "Six Bits" a 1919 La France Pumper, and a 1928 La France Quad.
Total Personnel: 61 Line Personnel, 6 Chief Officers, 2 Administrative Staff and 1 Prevention Staff. Annual Call Volume is over 5000. We are a paid only career department (no Volunteers, Reserves, or PCFS).
Check back for details Annual Fire Department Open House is held in October. Annual Christmas Toy Drive.