In October 1891, Main Street Clinton suffered a fire which raged for several days, destroying much of the business district as well as the dwellings of many merchants and townspeople. Because Clinton had no fire department, Mayor Johnson telegraphed for help from the existing companies in Flemington, Somerville, Easton [PA], and Phillipsburg. Flemington, Easton, and Phillipsburg sent equipment by train on the Lehigh Valley Railroad.

The citizens of Clinton fought hard to save Main Street, but without fire equipment, and a high wind rising, the loss was great. In 1892, Clinton expressed gratitude and sent fifty dollars to be distributed among the six or eight Easton fireman who had come to assist.

The fire changed the appearance of Main Street forever, and merchants and citizens began planning a local fire department. On March 14, 1892 the Clinton Steam Engine Company No. 1 was formed. There were forty original members, many of whom were local merchants who had sustained losses.