Station #24, a three bay station, was opened in 1971 to serve South Dallas. The first Station #24, at 2331 Poplar Street, celebrated its opening with a big fish fry.
Originally, the Department numbered this station #20. However, the Gamewell joker system was purchased for the Communications Division; that transmission technology excluded the use of the digit zero in box and station numbers. Thus, #20 became #24. The original Engine 24 currently is in the Dallas Firefighters Museum.
Most of Station #24s working fires are single story wood frame residences, with moderate to extensive involvement upon arrival. Possibly the most devastating fire was Box 986 which occurred November 23, 1982, at 5811 Pilgrim Street. The two alarm fire, in the Rhoads Terrace Apartments, claimed the lives of four children and an adult. Firefighters on the scene worked frantically attempting to rescue those individuals; five MICUs were called to the scene. Despite numerous heroic attempts, for which three members received DFD Distinguished Service Awards, and two members, Medals of Valor, only one citizen was revived-and she died on January 8, 1983, from complications.
Station #24 is a very clean, landscaped building frequently visited by area residents. The sounds of an active station, with the speaker opening and sirens wailing, bring children running to the corners to see "their friends" rushing off to yet another emergency.