The Western Reserve Fire Buffs Association (or WRFBA) was born in 1971 when Bill Varnes, then assistant chief of the Hudson Ohio Volunteer Fire Department, met with five other fire buffs to form the orgnization. Bill Varnes was elected the first president and WRFBA became the Northeastern Ohio Chapter of SPAAMFAA (Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America) in 1972.

The group's name is based primarily on the geographical area in which many of its members reside. this portion of Northeastern Ohio was origionally part of the Western reserve territory of the State of Connecticut. even after its inclusion in the Union along with the rest of the Ohio Territory, the area was reffered to as the land of the Western Reserve. Hence, the group took the name of the Western reserve fire Buffs Association.

WRFBA enjoyed a rapid groth in the 1970's as many fire buffs in northeastern Ohio learned of the orgnization. As WRFBA grew, it attracted a variety of diffrent intrests including fire fighters, fire photographers, historians, memorabilia collectors, fire aparatius owners, as well as fire buffs. Not long after forming, WRFBA also became a member club of theIFBA and its had hosted two IFBA regional meetings, and one verry sucessfull International Convention.

WRFBA activities include meetings at various area fire stations, an anual fire equipment flea market, and it's "almost annual" awards banquet whitch recognizes fire department personell and fire buffs who have made outstanding contributions to the fire service. A special project iniated by WRFBA is the anual participation in Camp Phoenix, which is a camp for sevearly burned children. WRFBA has also made contributions to the Cuyahoga County burn center. WRFBA is also commited to assisting the fire departments in our area in promoting a better understanding of the fire service in the community. The membership is made up of approximately 170 men and women from all walks of life, including those actively engaged in fire service activities.