The idea for the organization of Lane Council of Governments was born out of a major fire in Glenwood in 1941.  As an unincorporated "suburb", Glenwood wasn't served by the Springfield or Eugene fire departments and the Junction City fire trucks were the first to arrive on the scene, followed later by Springfield fire fighters.

After the catastrophic fire destroyed most structures in Glenwood, area residents began discussions about how best to provide vital services such as fire protection to nearby residents outside of existing districts.

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