| Fire engines and fires have
always held a fascination for people. To this very day the attraction
remains almost mythical in its form. Fires and firefighting are not a
quiet occurrence. The destruction of a building by fire has its own
unique sound. A certain rumbling roar of combustion. The shouting of
orders by fire officers and firefighters as they go about their duties
and the unmistakable sound of the fire pumper as it supplies water
under pressure to the fire scene. Altogether, the sounds produce a
concert that inspires the adrenaline gland. Steam engines are almost
human like in their sounds and noises. The steam fire pumper perhaps
more so. The sharp noise of the boiler exhaust, the whirring of the fire
pump, the surging of water pressure through hoses and the mixture of
warm coal smoke and lubricating oil were enough to excite the senses.
You knew you were at a fire of monumental proportions when the exhaust
note was sharp and clear, the engine was rocking on its springs and the
engineer was whistling for the coal wagon.
By looking at the photo above,
we can decipher a little information about firefighting in the early
1900s. Engine Co. 5 appears to be "at hydrant" and is
supplying a 2 1/2" supply line to the fire scene or another steam
pumper out of sight. The engineer is tending to the boiler and pump and
the engines hostler has unhitched the horses and removed them to safety.
The hose wagon hostler remains in his seat, ready to lay another fire
hose if needed and is watching the fire scene for possible orders. Those
firefighters viewing this scene today will notice that with the
exception of motive power and the passing of a hundred years, not much
has changed. It's still all here, all the basics of firefighting.
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