Clear Lake and Becker's Developing Fire Protection
Fire became a greater concern for Sherburne county, as the residents entered the 1900s. As more and more fires destroyed more and more property, the communities responded to this growing challenge. In the west part of the county, Clear Lake and Becker both acquired equipment and trained volunteers to move beyond the basic bucket brigade of earlier times. Clear lake seemed to lead the way in organizing a fire department and acquiring equipment. Becker learned from the example set in Clear Lake and used the lessons to improve its own system of firefighting. The flaming destruction of the depot of the Great Northern Railway inspired Clear Lake to move into action and acquire firefighting equipment. In March 1898, one year before the village of Clear Lake was incorporated, a call for volunteers resulted in the creation of a significant firefighting force. Shortly afterwards, the community purchased a two-man fire cart. Using soda and ac...