The first Clarence Fire Company was organized in March 1916 and was comprised of twenty-five members.This group of men volunteered their services to the protect the property of the citizens of Clarence against fire, and by means of subscription, were able to purchase the fire hall at the top of Academy Hill as well as a hand-drawn chemical fire-fighting wagon. This was quite an improvement over the previous leather-bucket brigade which for several years was Clarence’s sole protection against fire loss and damage.

Early firefighting, as recalled by some of the first members, often had its humorous aspects. The old chemical-fire wagon was drawn to the scene of the blaze by the first volunteers to reach the fire hall. Getting the equipment safely down Academy Hill without loss of fire wagon or firefighter was a feat in itself. Before the siren was purchased, the church bell was used as a fire alarm. Nor did it matter that there were services going on – the bell must ring.

On March 27, 1920, a petition was presented to the Clarence Town Board proposing formation of a fire corporation to be known as the Clarence Fire Company. It was two years later (1922) that a fire district supported by taxes was formed. This was the first fire district to be set up in the Town of Clarence.The original Chemical Fire Company was then dissolved to divert all effort toward forming the present Clarence Fire Company.

Without further delay, the new Fire Commissioners purchased a new fire engine – a 1½ ton truck upon which was installed a 440 gallon chemical tank outfit. It was an exciting day for the citizens of Clarence when that new truck arrived. Everyone gathered at the school grounds to see it demonstrated. A year later, on August 9, 1923, the first siren was purchased and shortly thereafter was installed atop the fire hall.