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White Salmon Fire Department History
Document:
The White Salmon Fire Department, founded in 1929, has grown through the years, various vehicles, volunteers and chiefs, to be a vital life- and property-saving resource for the City of White Salmon. The history is an interesting read and a fitting tribute to a proud group of volunteers who've protected the community these many years.
Excerpt:
"The winters in White Salmon used to be a lot colder. Many people who grew up here have heard stories from their grandparents who claim to have driven across the frozen Columbia River. These stories might be considered reminiscent of the Native American legends that claim a person could walk across the Columbia on the backs of the salmon, with the difference being that their grandparents’ accounts can be taken literally. As the winters were colder, and as houses were built to lesser codes, there was a serious problem with pipes freezing. As a result, structure fires were akin to wild land fires of today, commonly burning out of control in the coldest months because people didn't have access to water to put out the fires before they overtook a house.
In February of 1929, Sam Dallas was trying to thaw his pipes when he started a fire that consumed his home. Later that same year, he became the founding member of the White Salmon Fire Department (WSFD), doubtlessly owing much of his inspiration to the unfortunate loss of his home."
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