City of Upland

City of Upland Municipal Water Report Info

History The Upland Fire Department was established by residents of the former community of North Ontario shortly after the turn of the century. These early Upland settlers recognized the necessity of protecting their properties from fire hazards. This community need eventually formed the foundation of our current fire department.

In 1911, Upland residents formally organized a local fire department with F.H. Manker appointed as the first official Fire Chief. Historical records indicate that the first piece of equipment was a hose truck manually pulled by available personnel to emergency locations.

A devastating fire in 1913 destroyed all businesses on the East side of Second Avenue South of Ninth Street. This catastrophe sparked greater interest in community protection, leading to the construction of the D Street fire station in 1915. During this period, the department acquired its first motorized fire engine.

Between the 1920s and post-World War II era, the volunteer firefighters of Upland formed one of the community's most prominent social groups. These dedicated volunteers provided essential services while maintaining strong community connections. The social aspect was evident in their acquisition of a pool table for the upstairs area of the D Street station, which reportedly saw "constant use" and remains property of the Upland Firefighters Association today.

In 1924, the Upland News proclaimed: "Upland has the best fire company of any city in the state". The volunteer firefighters' social activities continued throughout the Depression, with documented annual barbecues, parties and gatherings. In 1937, they constructed a lodge in San Antonio Canyon for meetings and social events, though it was unfortunately destroyed in a 1938 flood. A replacement was later built near what is now 16th Street and Tanglewood, eventually demolished during the construction of Upland Hills Country Club.

The department continued expanding after the war, hiring its first full-time firefighters in 1963 to supplement volunteers. This addressed the growing challenge of insufficient daytime emergency response as more residents commuted longer distances for work.

Following a tragic 1966 fire that claimed five lives in northern Upland, Fire Station 2 was constructed and staffed on San Antonio Avenue north of 20th Street. This station continues to provide fire and safety services for the northern portion of the community.

The original D Street station was replaced in 1969 with a new Fire Headquarters facility housing Administration, Prevention, Training, and Suppression resources. In 1978, federal grant funding enabled construction of a Public Works facility and another fire station on Benson Avenue north of 13th Street, serving the western area.

A Paramedic Program was implemented in 2002, providing each Engine and Truck Company with a State Certified Paramedic. This enhanced the department's ability to deliver advanced medical care to Upland residents, with ongoing skill development continuing today.

Northeast area growth and increasing call volumes prompted development of a fourth station plan. The Colonies Community expansion and I-210 freeway extension demonstrated station feasibility, leading to a temporary facility on 15th Street east of Campus Avenue in 2004, later replaced by a permanent station.