By 1894, the little village had grown and a petition to the state was granted to form the city of West Palm Beach. Fires had been common in the area and when incorporation came about in November, an organized Fire Department was also formed with the city. The organization of the Flagler Alerts would prove to be the first firefighters in South Florida! These first volunteers were named the Flagler Alerts to honor Henry Flagler who had donated the first pieces of firefighting apparatus, a hand pulled hose reel and a hand drawn and operated pump to supply water to fight fires. At first, the firefighters housed their equipment in a small shed along what is now South Dixie Highway and they had their meetings in the Mason’s Lodge along Clematis Street.

Construction in the area was at a break neck speed and a more permanent home was needed for the growing Fire Department. Henry Flagler again stepped in proving land for a new fire hall. He also matched the amount of money made by the firefighters through fund raisers for the construction of the building. The northeast corner of Datura Street and Poinsettia Street (now South Dixie Highway) was the site of this first fire station. This building would also be the first fire station anywhere in South Florida!