Seattle Fire Department Eyes Expansion
Board of commissioners plots a budget for 1894 that includes new stations on Jackson and Madison streets.
The story, cleaned up
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The estimates for the cost of the fire department in 1894 occupied the attention of the board of commissioners last night. Commissioner Foster prepared a schedule showing a total of $148,210. He allowed $78,000 for salaries, including a new company for the Jackson Street station and four men for the Queen Anne station. He also estimated $1,400 for new horses. An additional estimate was made in case the council decides to build new stations on Madison Street, Jackson Street, and Queen Anne Hill, bringing the total to $178,210. The board also discussed plans for a new station at Yesler Avenue and Taylor Street to replace the one currently occupied by the chemical engine on Jackson Street, estimating the building cost at $7,000 to $7,500.
“The board adopted a resolution submitting to the council a rough draft of a plan for a station at Yesler avenue and Taylor street in place of the one now occupied by the chemical engine on Jackson street.”
Budgeting for infrastructure and expanding fire service into the city's rapidly growing neighborhoods remains a perennial struggle for Seattle City Hall. The specific debate over moving apparatus to Jackson Street echoes today's ongoing discussions about fire station placement as the city's urban footprint changes.
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