The Lancaster Fire department has a long and rich history that began in 1891. Chief Phil Weis organized several volunteer companies and in 1893 became the first paid Fire Chief of the department, along with two paid firemen. The construction of Engine House No. 1 began in late1898, opening on July 21, 1899. At around this time Chief Charles Landerfelt took over the reins as chief of the department. Not only did the department have a brand new station but at the same time they became the first city in Ohio to have the Gamewell alarm system installed to help protect the city. Over the years the city grew and so did the fire department. In September of 1916 the city decided it was time to sell the fire horses and join the era of modern motorized fire trucks. They purchased two 1916 Seagrave Firetrucks. In 1935 Lancaster purchased the first all steel ladder truck made by Seagrave based in Columbus, Ohio at the time. It is currently on display at the Central Ohio Fire Museum.

Fast forward 100+ years to 2023 and the department has grown to 84 firefighters serving out of three fire houses, protecting the 42,000 citizens of Lancaster, Ohio. The department consists of two engine companies, one ladder company and 4 medic units as well as 3 administration personnel, 2 Fire Prevention personnel and 1 community paramedic. The daily staffing is 22 firefighters. We also currently still staff Engine House No. 1 which will turn 125 years old July 2024 and has been continually manned since it opened.