WHM- Exhibitions - Fighting Fire

Fighting Fire

The story of firefighting in Worcester begins with the gallant but often futile efforts of private citizens armed with fire buckets. Over the years, the Fire Department has evolved into a highly professional organization of well-trained men and women with sophisticated equipment.

Prior to the existence of the fire department, Worcester relied on volunteer companies, the earliest of which was formed after a clothing and fulling mill burned down in 1793. In response, some leading citizens formed the Worcester Fire Society. Its 30 members were required to supply themselves with equipment and keep it in good working order, assist at all fires, and attend four annual meetings (social dinners). Equipment included two 8-quart leather buckets marked with the owner's initials, two large bags, an iron bed key, and a screw driver.

Fires became an increasing problem as the town filled up with buildings. Whereas in the past a building ablaze might burn to the ground without affecting other properties, flying sparks now could level whole blocks. The town responded by establishing a fire department in 1835. Officials appointed a Board of Engineers, who selected engine men and hired stewards to care for equipment. While the work was part time, this department was one of the first in the country to be paid for services rendered. The Fire Department presaged the infrastructure of municipal services put into place after Worcester incorporated as a city in 1848.

Timeline

1793	Cornelius and Peter Stowell's weaving shop burns, the first major business loss in Worcester due to fire. In response, twenty-two gentlemen establish the Worcester Fire Society, the first local organization formed expressly to fight fires.
1835	Selectmen established the Worcester Fire Department, placing the volunteer units under a Chief Engineer. Although they did not work full-time, Worcester's firefighters were among the first in the nation to be paid.
1845	The first fire hydrants were installed during the construction of the Bell Pond aqueduct. Called "flush" hydrants, they were short capped pipes extending up from underground water mains and enclosed by wooden boxes set at ground level. Firefighters had difficulty finding these hydrants, and found them unwieldy to use because they required a special gooseneck nozzle.
1866	In the 1860s the Fire Department began to pressure the city to install above-ground hydrants that were easy to find and use. By 1866 there were fifty-six post hydrants downtown. By 1900 there were 1500 hydrants.
1871	The city installed its first electric fire alarm system. The system consisted of thirty miles of wire configured into four alarm circuits, with forty alarm boxes around the city and a large gong in each engine house. To identify the location of a fire, the gongs were struck according to the location of the alarm box-for example, if the fire were near box three, the gongs were struck three times.
1872	After the Boston fire of 1872, Worcester switched from suction to steam engines, which vastly improved the city's capabilities. With the transition to steam, the department began to purchase horses, rather than relying on the previous practice of hiring horses. By 1911 there were eighty-seven fire horses. For nearly forty years, horse-drawn "steamers" would be the chief means of fighting fires.
1907	The city instituted a formal training program for firefighters, based on New York City's drill school and training. Recruits learned tying knots, coupling and uncoupling hoses, carrying hoses up ladders, carrying people down ladders, and the proper use of safety nets.
1910	The Fire Department began to purchase motorized equipment. The last steam engine, from Company 3, was retired in 1925.
1920	The Fire Department instituted the two-platoon system, which organized firefighters into day and night forces. With this system, all firefighters became full-time employees.

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