Burlingame Fire Dist #6

Burlingame Fire Dist #6 Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Burlingame Fire Dist #6, Fire station, 206 N Dacotah Street, Burlingame, KS.

Burlingame Fire History | August 18, 1936On August 18, 1936, the Enterprise-Chronicle reported on a fire that threatened...
08/18/2026

Burlingame Fire History | August 18, 1936

On August 18, 1936, the Enterprise-Chronicle reported on a fire that threatened the home of Bert White during one of the hottest and driest summers in Kansas history.

The fire began in a nearby double garage and was fueled by a strong south wind that carried sparks toward the White residence. Firefighters battled the blaze while continuously extinguishing embers that landed on the home's roof. The intense heat blistered the paint on the nearby James McFarlane residence, and members of the local utility crew also assisted by fighting the fire. Once the flames were under control, it was believed that observers had prevented the fire from spreading into the surrounding neighborhood.

The article praised the efforts of the firefighters, noting that their quick response likely saved the White home. Although the garage, a 1931 Ford, and numerous household items were destroyed, the fire was contained before it could consume additional homes.

The cause of the fire was believed to have been sparks from a nearby trash fire, fanned by the strong wind. The article noted that the area had gone nearly three months without measurable rainfall, leaving roofs, lawns, and trees exceptionally dry and increasing the danger of fire.

Photo: Enterprise-Chronicle, August 18, 1936.

Chiefs of Burlingame Fire Department – 150 Years of LeadershipRobert Thomas "Tom" OliverFire Chief | 1961–1987Robert Tho...
08/17/2026

Chiefs of Burlingame Fire Department – 150 Years of Leadership
Robert Thomas "Tom" Oliver

Fire Chief | 1961–1987

Robert Thomas "Tom" Oliver served as Fire Chief of the Burlingame Fire Department from 1961 to 1987, leading the department through a transformative period of growth, modernization, and increased professionalism. His leadership helped shape the foundation of the modern fire service in Burlingame.

A lifelong resident of the community, Oliver was born on June 24, 1927, in Burlingame, Kansas. He graduated from Burlingame High School in 1946 and briefly attended Kansas State University before returning home to build both his career and his family.

During his 26 years as Fire Chief, the department experienced significant advancements in equipment, training, and organization. His steady leadership and practical approach helped guide the department through decades of change while strengthening its ability to protect the community.

On October 23, 1948, Oliver married Glora L. Young in Burlingame. Together they raised three children while operating Oliver Grocery, a longtime local business that faithfully served the community for many years.

In addition to his service with the fire department, Oliver worked for the City of Burlingame for 12 years and also served on the Burlingame City Council, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to public service.

Although he stepped down as Fire Chief in 1987, Oliver continued serving as a member of the department until his retirement in January 1993. Even after retirement, he remained a familiar presence at the fire station, mentoring younger firefighters and sharing the knowledge gained from decades of experience until his passing in 2012.

Chief Oliver's 46 years of service, including 26 years as Fire Chief, represent one of the longest and most influential tenures in the history of the Burlingame Fire Department. His dedication, leadership, and commitment helped build the department into the organization it is today.

"Through decades of leadership and service, Chief Oliver helped build the Burlingame Fire Department into what it is today."

Thank you, Chief Oliver, for your service and leadership.

Burlingame Fire History | August 15, 1918On August 15, 1918, the Burlingame Enterprise published Ordinance No. 243, esta...
08/15/2026

Burlingame Fire History | August 15, 1918

On August 15, 1918, the Burlingame Enterprise published Ordinance No. 243, establishing the City of Burlingame's tax levy for 1918.

Among the levies approved by the City Council were funds dedicated to public safety improvements, including:

One-half mill for the maintenance of the Burlingame Fire Department.
One-half mill for necessary water hydrants installed by the city.

These dedicated funds helped ensure the volunteer fire department had financial support for its operation while continuing to expand the community's fire protection infrastructure.

Just three years earlier, Kansas law had authorized second- and third-class cities to establish a dedicated fire department tax. This ordinance demonstrates Burlingame putting that authority into action by investing in both its firefighters and the water system they relied upon.

While not as dramatic as a major fire, ordinances like this quietly shaped the future of fire protection in Burlingame. They provided the financial foundation that allowed the department to maintain equipment, improve capabilities, and better protect the community.

Photo: Ordinance No. 243, published in the Burlingame Enterprise on August 15, 1918.

Chiefs of Burlingame Fire Department – 150 Years of LeadershipClifford "Leroy" SpadeAssistant Rural Fire Chief | 1957–19...
08/14/2026

Chiefs of Burlingame Fire Department – 150 Years of Leadership
Clifford "Leroy" Spade

Assistant Rural Fire Chief | 1957–1961; 1967–1986
Rural Fire Chief | 1961–1967

Clifford "Leroy" Spade dedicated nearly three decades of service to the Burlingame Fire Department, serving in multiple leadership roles during a formative period for rural fire protection in the Burlingame area.

He began his leadership service in 1957 as Assistant Rural Fire Chief, a position he held until 1961. He was then appointed Rural Fire Chief, serving from 1961 to 1967. During his tenure as Chief, Spade helped lead fire protection efforts throughout the rural district, guiding the department as it continued to grow and develop.

Following his time as Chief, Spade returned to the role of Assistant Rural Fire Chief, where he served from 1967 until 1986. His continued leadership and experience provided stability and continuity to the department for nearly two more decades.

Beyond the fire service, Spade remained deeply involved in the Burlingame community. He owned and operated the Burlingame Locker Company for 17 years and also served on the Burlingame City Council, reflecting a lifelong commitment to public service.

Chief Spade's nearly 30 years of leadership left a lasting impact on the Burlingame Fire Department. His dedication helped strengthen rural fire protection and build the foundation for the department that continues to serve the community today.

Thank you, Chief Spade, for your service and leadership.

Burlingame Fire History | August 11, 1883Ten days after the devastating August 1, 1883 fire that destroyed the Santa Fe ...
08/11/2026

Burlingame Fire History | August 11, 1883

Ten days after the devastating August 1, 1883 fire that destroyed the Santa Fe Flouring Mill and E. Wood's Blacksmith Shop, the Burlingame Herald published updates on the community's recovery.

One article reported that Jack Walp, whose painting shop had been located on the second floor of the Wood building, had lost all of his brushes and a considerable amount of paint in the fire. Although he had not yet secured a new shop, he announced that he was continuing to accept work from his residence on the west side of town.

Another notice shared a message of gratitude from Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Chambers, who thanked the citizens of Burlingame for helping save their home and personal belongings during the fire.

These articles provide a glimpse into how Burlingame recovered after one of its earliest major fires. They also highlight something that has remained constant through the years: neighbors coming together to help one another during difficult times.

Photos: Burlingame Herald, August 11, 1883.

08/10/2026

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No matter how high you climb, keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. Stay humble, lead with heart, and remember that how you treat people will always echo far longer than any position you hold.

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Chiefs of Burlingame Fire Department – 150 Years of LeadershipRay FurneauxRural Fire Chief | 1956–1960Ray Furneaux serve...
08/10/2026

Chiefs of Burlingame Fire Department – 150 Years of Leadership
Ray Furneaux

Rural Fire Chief | 1956–1960

Ray Furneaux served as Rural Fire Chief of the Burlingame Rural Fire Department from 1956 to 1960, providing leadership during the department's formative years following its establishment in 1955.

Although very little historical information has been found about Chief Furneaux, his service during this important period deserves to be recognized. As one of the department's early chiefs, he helped guide and strengthen rural fire protection for the Burlingame and Dragoon Township communities, building upon the foundation established by the department's first officers.

We are committed to preserving the history of the Burlingame Fire Department and honoring those who helped build it. If you have photographs, newspaper clippings, family history, or personal memories of Chief Ray Furneaux, we would love to hear from you. Every piece of information helps preserve our department's history for future generations.

Thank you, Chief Furneaux, for your service and leadership.

Burlingame Fire HistoryOn August 9, 1937, the Enterprise-Chronicle reported on a fire in the Carmine Building that began...
08/09/2026

Burlingame Fire History

On August 9, 1937, the Enterprise-Chronicle reported on a fire in the Carmine Building that began in a small room behind the Vanity Beauty Shop.

The fire was traced to a kerosene water heater. By the time smoke was discovered around 8:30 a.m., conditions inside the building were so heavy that firefighters had difficulty locating the seat of the fire. Although the flames were confined to the room where the heater was located, they burned through part of the roof after breaking through a skylight.

While the fire damage itself was relatively limited, water caused the greatest loss. Water from firefighting operations flooded C. V. King's Grocery, located directly below the fire. Thanks to the quick efforts of employees, most of the merchandise was saved, though portions of the store required repairs and redecoration. Ray Seaberger's Café also sustained minor water damage.

The upper floor was occupied by Dr. E. G. Murtaugh's offices and the Vanity Beauty Shop, where smoke caused the greatest damage. The beauty shop temporarily relocated while repairs were made.

The article noted that nearly all of the building and contents were covered by insurance, and business owners were able to resume normal operations soon after the fire.

Photo: Enterprise-Chronicle, August 9, 1937.

Burlingame Fire History | August 8, 1918A brief notice published in the Burlingame Enterprise on August 8, 1918, provide...
08/08/2026

Burlingame Fire History | August 8, 1918

A brief notice published in the Burlingame Enterprise on August 8, 1918, provides a glimpse into the operations of the Burlingame Fire Company.

The article reports that the fire company approved the election of new members and ratified the placement of one of its hose carts at Farrar's Garage.

Although only a short newspaper item, it highlights how the volunteer fire department continued to grow and organize during the early 1900s. Decisions regarding membership and the strategic placement of firefighting equipment were important steps in improving the department's ability to respond quickly to emergencies.

Small pieces of history like this help tell the story of how today's Burlingame Fire Department evolved over more than a century of service.

Photo: Burlingame Enterprise, August 8, 1918.

Chiefs of Burlingame Fire Department – 150 Years of LeadershipJohn BeckAssistant Rural Fire Chief | 1955–1956John Beck s...
08/07/2026

Chiefs of Burlingame Fire Department – 150 Years of Leadership
John Beck

Assistant Rural Fire Chief | 1955–1956

John Beck served as the first Assistant Rural Fire Chief of the Burlingame Rural Fire Department from 1955 to 1956. As one of the department's original officers, he helped establish organized rural fire protection for the Burlingame and Dragoon Township areas during the department's earliest years.

Unfortunately, very little historical information has been found about Chief Beck. Even so, his contributions to the formation of the rural fire department deserve to be recognized and remembered as an important part of our department's history.

If you have photographs, newspaper clippings, family history, or personal memories of John Beck, we would love to hear from you. Every story and photograph helps preserve the history of the Burlingame Fire Department for future generations.

Thank you, Assistant Chief Beck, for your service and leadership.

Address

206 N Dacotah Street
Burlingame, KS
66413

Telephone

+17856542407

Website

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