Fire and fire prevention played a pivotal role in the development of Susanville. It was fire after all, why the city was formed. The original city/fire hall was a tall wooden structure that was destroyed by fire on November 7, 1921.
At the same time the City Council was dealing with a pressing issue with Fire (Insurance) Underwriters had proposed a hefty increase for insurance premiums of property inside the city limits. The Underwriters two main concerns the water mains were insufficient and the lack of an adequate fire department. The City addressed and worked with Frank Cady, owner of the local water company, to fix that problem.
On May 9, 1922, a newly re-organized Susanville Volunteer Fire Department was created. It initially consisted of five men: H.W. Wharton, Uel J. Travis, Ted Murphy, John Greig and Walter Agee. Baldwin was named fire chief. One of their first priorities was to recruit and train volunteers. More progress was made that year with the purchase of an American LaFrance Fire Truck.In addition, a Gamewell fire alarm system was installed throughout the town
In the fall the Board of Fire Underwriters representatives came to Susanville for inspection. While they were pleased with the improvements, there was one additional requirement—a paid fireman. The City obliged and hire Walter Long at $125 a month. The hard work paid off, instead of an increase on fire insurance premiums they were reduced by 10 percent.