The risk of devastating fires prompted thirteen citizens to form the first Fire Department in 1897. Its equipment consisted of two hand-pulled carts, one on each side of the railroad tracks. In 1927, a fire district was formed and a fire truck was purchased. This truck was not a pumper, but held two tanks containing water and acid. At the fire scene, soda charges were dropped into the tanks and the resulting chemical action squirted the mixture on the fire.

In 1931, the town built a facility to house the Fire Department and City Hall. This structure located at 128 W. Lincoln Street, still serves in that capacity. The City’s first fire truck pumper was purchased in 1934, serving the community for twenty years. Since that time, the Fire Department’s fleet has grown to include a tanker, pumpers, and rescue vehicles. The Department now responds to fire calls and emergency medical calls in the City of Walcott and surrounding Fire District #6. The Fire Department members are a dedicated group of individuals that provide a high caliber of service through their experience and continuing education and training.

Interested in joining our department? Complete a Membership Application and return to City Hall.

Siren Tones

A steady tone for three minutes indicates: SEVERE WEATHER SITUATIONS : the confirmed sighting of a funnel cloud or tornado in the area. Take shelter immediately and listen to radio and television stations for further updates and advice. AT OTHER TIMES : a major emergency such as hazardous material spill. Stay indoors and wait for further information via in-person visit, telephone, loudspeaker, radio, or television.

WEATHER ALERT ——A steady tone for three minutes is used to alert citizens who are outdoors of an imminent hazard and prompt them to go indoors, take shelter, and seek further information. Weather alert sirens will be sounded for:

  • Tornadoes
  • Thunderstorms with winds 70 mph or greater (potential for whole trees to snap or uproot)
  • Golf ball sized hail or larger (potential for windows to break)

Weather alert sirens may be sounded multiple times, every 15 minutes, during the threat. There will be no all-clear signal from sirens.

A wavering tone for three minutes indicates severe weather with damaging winds. Take shelter and listen to radio and television stations.

A distinctive wavering high-low tone from the siren located at the Fire Station serves as a backup system, supplementing members’ pagers. Residents walking or driving should be prepared to yield to firefighters in their personal vehicles or emergency vehicles.

Apparatus

Contact Us

Korry Kraft, Fire Chief

Email: fire@cityofwalcott.com

128 W. Lincoln Street
PO Box 247
Walcott, IA 52773

Non-Emergency: 563.284.6571 x19
Emergency: 911
Fax: 563.284.6611

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