Kalama Fire Station/Library

For nearly six decades, the building that now serves as the Kalama Public Library was the proud home of Kalama’s Fire Department. The first alarm bell echoed through the town in 1924, marking a significant milestone in the community’s commitment to fire safety. The origins of Kalama’s volunteer fire department can be traced back to 1889, established in response to a devastating fire a decade earlier that destroyed nearly half of the downtown businesses. After almost thirty years, the department secured its official headquarters, which accommodated a single fire truck and a dedicated crew of nearly twenty volunteers. This structure continued to serve the fire department until 1982, when they relocated their operations across the street. Following its renovation, the building became home to City offices, the public library, and Council Chambers, until a flood in 2015 prompted further renovations. It now proudly houses the Kalama Public Library and City Council Chambers.