This page contains a chronological listing of information on Boston Fire Department activity, across all types of categories, from 1890 to 1899. The listings contained within this page will be updated on a continual basis, as new information becomes available. Information on some ‘Fires’ and ‘Line of Duty Deaths’ will be found in the Chronology. Use the link to Fires and Line of Duty Deaths to see more complete listings.
YEAR | DATE | Activity |
---|---|---|
1910 | May 27 | Francis M. Carroll was appointed Temporary Fire Commissioner, replacing Samuel D. Parker. |
1910 | July 29 | The first motor apparatus in the BFD was placed in service when Chemical Engine Co. 13 was organized, equipped with a new Knox Automobile Chemical Engine in the new firehouse located at 16 Walk Hill Street, Forest Hills. Lieutenant Martin Kenealy was in charge. The unit carried hose, extinguishers and a 40-gallon chemical tank. No Shop Number. |
1910 | September 5 | District 14 was established at the quarters of Engine Company 46, 1884 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester. The boundaries of Districts 9, 10 and 12 were changed as well. |
1910 | September 12 | Superintendent Eugene Melrose Byington was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief, in charge of the Repair Shop and Construction Division, without any change in salary. |
1910 | September 16 | Lieutenant Charles A. Donohoe was appointed Drillmaster and also assigned to Water Tower 2. |
1910 | September 17 | Charles D. Daly was appointed Fire Commissioner by Mayor John F. Fitzgerald. He replaced Acting Fire Commissioner Francis M. Carroll.
Lieutenant Martin A. Kenealy of Chemical Engine Co. 13 was detailed to the Knox Automobile Factory in Springfield, for a period of two months, to thoroughly learn the mechanisms of the Knox motor cars. Chemical 13 had been assigned a new Knox engine in June, but the only problem had been that the engine overheated at times. |
1910 | November 11 | George Fickett was appointed Superintendent of Fire Alarm, replacing Brown S. Flanders, who retired after 46 years with the BFD. Superintendent Flanders was appointed March 1, 1864, and was assigned to Engine Company 7. He was age 74 when he retired. |
1910 | November 22 | William A. Green, retired Chief Engineer and former member of the Board of Fire Commissioners died at age 87. He was appointed in 1847 to the BFD, he was the first person go from firefighter to Fire Commissioner. He was in command of major major fires in the city. In those days, the Chief Engineer responded to a many alarms on first alarm, 24 hours per day. He died at his apartment, 142 St. Botolph Street, Back Bay. He had been an invalid for the last year and was ‘house-bound’. |
1910 | December 23 | Assistant Superintendent of Fire Alarm Cyrus M. George retired. He appointed as an operator in the Fire Alarm Office on May 25, 1865, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Fire Alarm, in charge of the Construction Force on January 1, 1880. He was 71 years of age and he 45 years of service. He received no pension, as the members of the Fire Alarm Division were not part of the pension plan. Eventually special legislation was passed to give these men a pension. He had one of the best ‘staches’ ever in the BFD. |
1911 | April 22 | Engine Company 11 received and placed in service a new 1911 American La France Type 5 motorized Hose and Chemical Wagon, Shop #300. This was the first motor hose wagon placed in service with an engine company in the department. |
1911 | May 15 | The officers and members of Engine Co. 8 were commended for the excellent work they performed in rescuing various people by using the life net at the fire at 6 Stillman Street, North End, at 0630 hours. A total of ten (10) people jumped into the net and all of them landed safely. | 1911 | July 30 | Engine Company 15 responded to the City of Brockton by train for a serious fire. They operated for several hours at the fire and used the wagon gun with great results. |
1911 | August 18 | General Order 685 was issued, stating the following: ‘Members of the Fire Department are herewith notified the henceforth they will be obliged to maintain their residence within the City of Boston. Such members whose residence violates the above regulations are given ninety days to comply with it.’ |
1911 | September 21 | Mayor Fitzgerald appointed a committee to recommend some changes in the Fire Department. At the first meeting they recommended “Flying Squadrons” with motor apparatus, placed in several sections of the city, West Roxbury, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Charlestown and the City Proper. They thought the addition of fifty (50) men would handle these new units. |
1911 | September 30 | A Boston newspaper printed a story about the tallest and the shortest men on the job. The tallest was a new guy, Ladderman John J. Maloney, at 6 feet , 7 inches appointed to Ladder Company 14 in Fort Hill Square. The shortest was Hoseman James J. “Jimmie” Hughes of Water Tower Co. 2, at 5 feet, 3 inches. As Jimmie said, “this is the long and short of the job.” |
1911 | October 19 | Fire Commissioner Charles Daly authorized that the firm of Maginnis and Walsh be selected as the architects for the new fireboat station to be erected adjacent to the Northern Avenue Bridge, with the mayor’s permission. |
1912 | January 1 | The Town of Hyde Park (in Norfolk County) was annexed to the City of Boston (in Suffolk County). From the former Hyde Park Fire Department, the City of Boston organized: – Hose Company 48 (Hose 48 became Engine Co. 48 on February 2, 1912.) – Hose Company 49 – Chemical Engine Company 14 – Ladder Company 28 |
1912 | January 18 | Former Fire Commissioner Benjamin W. Wells, died suddenly age 50 while entering his club on Beacon Street. He was seen as a ‘progressive Fire Commissioner’ one newspaper reported. After leaving the Fire Department he continued to ‘Spark’ large fires and had lots of friends in the Fire Department. Cause of death was listed as ‘heart disease’. |
1912 | January 20 | The funeral for former Fire Commissioner Benjamin W. Wells was held at the Arlington Street Church at 1430 hours. His casket was moved from his home at 62 Beacon Street to the church. Mayor Fitzgerald was among those attending along with Fire Commissioner Cole, Chief Mullen and the Commissioner’s former driver, Joseph M. Donovan. The church was filled to capacity by mourners. |
1912 | January 26 | John H. Dunn was appointed Temporary Fire Commissioner and he served until February 11, 1912. He replaced Charles D. Daly |
1912 | February 2 | Hose Co. 48 was disbanded and Engine Co. 48 was organized, effective at 1000 hours, located in the former Hyde Park Headquarters, under command of Captain John H. Wetherbee. |
1912 | February 12 | Charles H. Cole was appointed Fire Commissioner. He replaced Temporary Commissioner John H. Dunn, Commissioner Cole had been a business partner with former Fire Commissioner Benjamin Wells. |
1912 | May 20 | An Automobile School was established at the Department Repair Shop, with Lieutenant Martin A. Kenealy as the Instructor. |
1912 | September 5 | A new 1912 American LaFrance Type 10 motorized hose wagon and chemical car replaced Engine Co. 37’s horse-drawn hose wagon, Shop #301. |
1912 | October 11 | District Chief Henry A. C. Fox was elected President of the Massachusetts State Firemen’s Association at the final session of the two day convention held at Faneuil Hall. |
1912 | October 30 | Water Tower Co. 1 received a new horse-drawn water tower. This was a “spring-raised” 65-foot tower, purchased from American LaFrance at a cost of $6,494.50. |
1912 | November 12 | Effective this date, when responding to alarms, motor hose and chemical wagons shall precede the engine. When responding to cover, the engines shall precede the wagons. |
1912 | December 26 | The members of ‘The Russell Club’ voted not to join the American Federation of Labor (A.F.of L) by a vote of 290 to 145. It was the largest meeting ever held since the Club was organized. Ladderman Samuel A. Dwight of Ladder Co. 5 was elected president. |
1913 | January 23 | Ladder Company 29 was organized and established at the firehouse at 120 Callender Street, Dorchester. The company was assigned a new American La France Type 14 combination ladder truck, Shop #200, equipped with a 35 gallon chemical tank and was the first of four of these type trucks to go in service. |
1913 | February 24 | Ladder Company 31 was organized and placed in service at 1000 hours at the new three story firehouse at 425 Faneuil Street, Oak Square, Brighton. The company was equipped with a new 1913 American LaFrance, Type 14, city-service combination ladder truck, with a 35gal. tank, Serial # 216, Shop # 202. |
1913 | March 5 | Ladder Company 30 was established in the quarters of Engine Company 42 at 3089 Washington Street, Egleston Square, Jamaica Plain. They were equipped with a new American LaFrance Type 14 Combination chemical and ladder truck, Shop #201. |
1913 | April 3 | Lieutenant Charles A. Donahoe of Ladder 13 was relived from active duties as Drillmaster and Lieutenant James W. Mahoney of Water Tower 2 was detailed as Drillmaster. Lieutenant Donahoe acted as the supervisor, Lieutenant Donahue had held the Drillmaster post since September, 1910, when he was promoted. |
1913 | April 18 | Chemical Engine 11, at 120 Callender Street, Dorchester, in District 10, had the horse drawn wagon replaced by a new American La France Motor chemical engine, assigned Shop #302. |
1913 | May 9 | General Order #52 of 1913 announced that Permanent members when in uniform would be allowed to ride free on the ferries and railcars of the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad between East Boston and Orient Heights. |
1913 | May 14 | Chemical Engine Co. 5 was re-established at Ladder Co. 23, 36 Washington Street, Grove Hall, Roxbury, District 10, at 1000 hours. The company was assigned a new 1913 American LaFrance hose & chemical wagon, Shop #303. equipped with one-35 gallon chemical tank, pony extinguisher, 800 feet 2 1/2 inch hose, 250 feet of chemical hose, axes, rakes etc. Lieutenant John Gavin transferred from Ladder 23 as the Company Commander. |
1913 | July 22 | At 1605 hours with Acting District Chief Eaton in charge of the fireboat, Engine Co. 44 responded to assist the Town of Weymouth at a large fire at the American Agricultural Chemical Company, also known as the Bradley Fertilizer Works, located near Fort Point and the Back River. The fireboat operated for several hours supplying water. |
1913 | August 29 | Engineer John Bickford, the last remaining Firefighter who worked at the Great Fire in 1872, was placed on the pension rolls. He retired from Engine Company 5, at age 62, with over 42 years of service. Appointed to Engine Company 11 just before the big fire, he was transferred to Engine Company 40 and then later to Engine 5. |
1913 | September 10 | The Fire Alarm Office was made responsible for all responses and covering that was not specifically assigned by the running card. Previously, these decisions had been left to the judgement of company commanders, often with some disastrous results. |
1913 | September 23 | Through the courtesy of the Boston Elevated Railway Co., members of the Boston Fire Department, when wearing the regulation uniform, were allowed to ride free on the cars of that company under certain conditions. In the interests of public safety members should strictly observe the rules of the Boston Elevated Railway Company which prohibit conversation with motormen. |
1913 | October 27 | General Order 115 was issued: In order that members may receive benefits from the Massachusetts State Firemen’s Relief Fund, in case of any injury received while testing hose, hereafter all tests of hose made in the Department will be considered to be ordered as a drill. This in in addition to regular drills of the Department.
General Order 115: Elevator Rescue Devices were assigned to Ladder Co. 1, Ladder Co. 3, Ladder Co. 8 and Ladder Co. 17. Another was kept at the Department Repair Shop, if needed, it could be special called. Before starting elevator rescue work members of the Department are cautioned to see that the power for operating the elevator is shut off. |
1913 | November 13 | The City was divided into three (3) Fire Divisions. Division 1 (Downtown) was located at Fort Hill Square, Downtown; Division 2 was located at Engine Co. 22, 70 Warren Avenue, South End; Division 3 was located at Ladder Co. 23, 36 Washington Street, Grove Hall, Roxbury. |
1913 | December 3 | Twenty-Eight (28) residents and or transient guests died during a fire at the Arcadia Hotel, 1202 Washington Street, South End. Many residents were rescued by firefighters, but others jumped from the upper floors, Box 771, 3 alarms at 0204 hours. The cause was listed as unknown but it could have been arson. Damage was estimated at $19,151. Chief of Department John A. Mullen; Deputy Chief Peter McDonough, Division 2; District Chief John T. Byron, District 7; District Chief Dan Sennott, District 5; District Chief John O. Taber, District 4; District Chief Edward Shallow, District 6; District Chief Mike Kennedy, District 9; and members of Engine 3 and Ladder 3 were commended for their early efforts at this fire, by getting quick water on the fire and raising ladders to perform rescues. Many victim’s bodies were unclaimed after the fire. The B.P.O.E. (Elks) provided a burial site for eighteen (18) unclaimed bodies at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Roslindale. |
1913 | December 10 | The horse-drawn ladder truck of Ladder Company 21 was replaced by an American LaFrance Type 14 motor city service ladder and chemical truck, Serial #259, Shop #203. |
1914 | February 2 | The first day of the new Automobile classes occurred, in conjunction with the Boston Buick Co and Professor David Gallup of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. There were two sessions a day, six lessons each, at Fire Headquarters, very few firemen knew much about automobiles and motor fire apparatus. |
1914 | February 5 | Chief John A. Mullen received a brand new Buick automobile, a 6-cylinder, high powered auto, painted brilliant maroon red, and equipped with a big bell, Chief Mullen took the auto to his night quarters on Mason Street. |
1914 | February 6 | Marine District 13 was abolished. The three fireboats were assigned to land-based districts: Engine 31 to District 4; Engine 44 to District 3 and Engine 47 to District 1. |
1914 | March 7 | Deputy Chief John Grady was appointed Chief of Department, replacing Chief John A. Mullen who retired on March 11. Chief Grady was appointed Fire Commissioner a few days later, he was the first Department Drillmaster, was appointed to busy Ladder Co. 1, Downtown, and later Captain of Ladder Co. 3, South End. |
1914 | March 11 | General Order 679, informed the department that the fireboat, Engine Co. 31 was reorganized for active service effective on March 15, 1911, at 1000 hours, at a temporary location adjoining the berth of Engine Co. 47, east side of South Ferry, East Boston.
Deputy Chief Peter McDonough was appointed Chief of Department, he replaced John Grady, who was appointed Fire Commissioner. |
1914 | March 14 | The three-division format, in place since November 14, 1913, was abolished. The Department adopted the ‘old’ 2-division format. New Districts were created and district lines redrawn. |
1914 | June 25 | The ‘Great Salem Fire of 1914’ occurred. Ladder Company 21 was ordered to respond over the road. Engine companies 6, 8, 26, 27, and 39 had their horse-drawn steamers and hose wagons sent on Mutual Aid to the fire, via flatbed rail car from North Station. |
1914 | July 3 | Engine Company 11 was assigned a new motor American LaFrance Triple Combination 800 GPM Pump with a 40 gallon chemical tank, Shop #100. |
1914 | August 4 | The horse-drawn apparatus of Engine Company 45 was replaced by a new 1914 American LaFrance, Type 12, Triple-Combination 800gpm pumper (single-unit), Serial #562, Shop #101. |
1914 | August 10 | A 1914 American LaFrance 2-wheel tractor, Shop #102T, was placed in service on Engine Company 37’s 1896 Amoskeag steam fire engine, the first of these type to be used. The horses were returned to the Department Veterinarian. |
1914 | September 28 | Ladder Company 4 in Roxbury received the first motorized American LaFrance Type 18, 85 foot tiller ladder truck, Serial # 571-C132, Shop #205. |
1914 | November 11 | Water Tower 2 was the first tower to have a motorized tractor attached to it. It was an American-British 2-wheel tractor, Shop #402, attached to the 1890 KCFD 55ft. tower. |
1914 | December 14 | A new motorized Robinson “Jumbo” Triple combination 900 GPM pump, Shop #104, was assigned to Engine Company 41. |
1914 | – | Construction began during the year on the High Pressure Fire Service system, which included 2.62 miles of pipe and 78 hydrants. The system was to be connected to the ‘old’ Salt Water Fireboat Line which had been in service since September 14, 1898. |
1915 | March 27 | The first Christie Two Wheel Front Drive tractor was attached to the 1909 Amoskeag steam fire engine of Engine Co. 46 in Ashmont, Dorchester, Shop # 105T. |
1915 | April 22 | Ladder Company 8, Downtown, placed in service a new “Side-Seat” Seagrave 85ft motorized aerial ladder truck, equipped a tiller, Shop #208. |
1915 | May 15 | Engine Co. 25 had a new Christie Front Drive two (2) wheel tractor attached to the 1910 American La France steam fire engine, C/N 3331. The tractor was assigned Shop #106T. |
1915 | May 21 | Ladder Company 18 was assigned a new Christie front drive tractor which was attached to the 1910 Seagrave 75 foot aerial. The truck was assigned Shop #210T. |
1915 | May 28 | Engine Company 25 was assigned the 1914 Robinson motorized combination hose and chemical wagon which was formerly in service with Engine Company 46, with Shop # 304. |
1915 | July 11 | 1915, Retired Chief of Department John A. Mullen, age 65, died at the Adams Nervine Hospital in Jamaica Plain. He did 40 years with the BFD. |
1915 | September 16 | General Orders announced, “Reports are made at different times by officers of this department stating that men are “ordered” off-duty by civilian physicians. It should be thoroughly understood that no person, physician or otherwise, who is not officially connected with the Boston Fire Department has any authority to order any man off-duty. A physician may advise that a man should go off-duty but his authority extends no further.” |
1915 | October 2 | Engineer Octavius Donnell, retired, of Engine Company 32, died at his home in Bryantville, MA, at the age of 67. He was forced to retire in 1908, due to injuries he received in the performance of his duty. While a member of Engine 32 he invented a “Drop Hitch” for the horses. Eventually, it was adopted and used all over. He never patented this and never received any payments. Engine 32 was the first company in the BFD to use this “Drop Hitch” but the city was slow to approve the use of the “Drop Hitch”. |
1916 | August 12 | A new Seagrave Triple Combination 750 GPM pump, Shop #112, was assigned to Engine Company 14. This was the first Seagrave pump purchased and the Seagrave pumps performed very well. |
1916 | November 7 | A Boston Elevated Railway streetcar car went through the open draw of the Summer Street Bridge and into the Fort Point Channel. Forty-five (45) men and one (1) woman drowned in this accident, many others were injured. The Boston Fire Department responded to Box 71 at 1728 hours. Fireboat Engine Company 44 performed many rescues and recoveries, along with BFD divers. See Other Disasters |
1916 | December 21 | Members of the Russell Fire Club voted overwhelming to join the A.F. of L. and current officers to remain, Edward J. Coveney, Engine 25, as President, J.F. Coleman, Engine 43, J. Griffin, Engine 48, J. Murphy, Engine 5, George Doyle, Engine 10, as Vice Presidents, J. H. O’Leary, Secretary and Daniel J. Looney, Engine 7, Treasurer. Louis C.I. Stickel, retiring President, was presented a diamond ring by the directors in appreciation of his efforts to secure “one day off in three”. |
1917 | February 5 | The first of twelve (12) new Seagrave Hose and Chemical wagons, Shop #311. was placed in service with Engine Co. 25. It was equipped with a 40 gallon chemical tank. |
1917 | February 10 | The Lenox Hotel at Boylston and Exeter Streets was the scene of a major fire, Box 1573, 0459 hours and was followed by additional alarms. Box 1562 was sent at 0530 hours, which acted as a 5th alarm. Several spectacular rescues occurred, one with a Pompier ladder, with one fatality. Chief of Department Peter McDonough was in charge, along with Deputy Chief Dan Sennott. Damage was $94,712. It was ordered that two men have their names placed on the “Roll of Merit”. Many other members were highly commended for remarkable and exceptional manifestation of courage and zeal. The names of Lieutenant Edward McDonough (Aide to the Chief of Department) and Ladderman John J. Kennedy of Ladder Co. 13 were placed on the ‘Roll of Merit’ for their service at the Lenox Hotel Fire. |
1917 | February 13 | Mayor James Michael Curley instructed Fire Commissioner John Grady or any others not to interfere if the firemen want to establish a union affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. |
1917 | June 15 | Rescue Company 1 was organized and placed in service at Fort Hill Square, Downtown. Lieutenant Daniel Hurley was the first officer. The company was assigned a 1911 American LaFrance, Type 5, Hose & Chemical wagon, Serial #23, Shop # 300, formerly assigned to Engine 11, equipped with an assortment of special tools. |
1917 | December 11 | At noon, members of the Russell Fire Club unfurled a large service flag at Fire Headquarters, 60 Bristol Street, with seventy-five (75) stars. The flag is not finished as ten (10) more members had enlisted to fight in Europe since the flag was finished and more members intended to enlist. |
1918 | February 1 | The ‘Day Off in 3’ work schedule replaced the ‘Day Off in 5’ work schedule. |
1918 | July 26 | Several changes were made on this date: – Hose Company 49 was disbanded and Engine Company 49 was organized at a firehouse located at Hamilton & East Milton Streets. The address was later changed to 209 Neponset Valley Parkway. The company was equipped with a 1917 Seagrave motor Combination Hose & Chemical Wagon, Serial # 17795, Shop # 320, but no pumping engine. – Engine Company 50 was organized in the remodeled firehouse, formerly occupied by Chemical Engine Company 3, at 34 Winthrop Street , Charlestown. The company was equipped with a 1916 Christie tractor, Shop #113T , attached to a 1882 Amoskeag First-Size steam pumper, Serial # 578, and a 1914 Robinson Hose & Chemical Wagon, Shop #304 , ex-Engine 46. – Chemical Engine Company 9, located at the quarters of Ladder Company 9 at 333 Main Street, Charlestown, was disbanded. – The Headquarters of District 2 moved from the quarters of Ladder 9 to the quarters of Engine 50. |
1918 | August 30 | Chemical Engine Company 12 at 1046 Tremont Street, Roxbury, was disbanded. |
1918 | December 5 | At the election of officers of the Russell Fire Club, Hoseman Daniel J. Looney, Engine 7, defeated Ladderman Michael Ryan, Ladder 29, for President, in what was called a “spirited contest”. Fred J. Dobbratz, Ladder 15, defeated John Good, Ladder 12, for Secretary. F. B. Cooke, Engine 8, defeated Charles Shepard, Engine 33, for Treasurer. The election was held at Commercial Hall, 694 Washington Street, Downtown. |
1919 | January 15 | A large tank containing 2 million gallons of molasses collapsed near 521 Commercial Street, North End. 3 alarms were sounded, the elevated streetcar structure was severely damaged, buildings were damaged and destroyed. The quarters of Fireboat Engine 31 was destroyed. Box 1234 was transmitted at 1240 hours, 2 alarms, then Box 1211 at 1253 hours to have apparatus come in from a different direction. Firefighters were utilized to rescue trapped residents. 21 people were killed, including Engineer George Layhe of Engine 31, who died from injuries by being crushed. Fire hoses were used to try to wash-down the large amount of sticky molasses. Chief of Department Peter McDonough was in command. See Other Disasters |
1919 | February 17 | Fire Commissioner John Grady, age 64 retired after 45 years of service. He was appointed to Ladder 1 in 1874 and was the first Drillmaster when he was Captain of Ladder 3. He was a very good fireground commander and he was in charge as a Deputy Chief at many famous fires. |
1919 | July 31 | District Chief Peter E. Walsh of District 7 was appointed Chief of Department. He replaced Peter McDonough who retired. |
1919 | September 9 | Members of the Boston Police Department voted to strike. The city called it “Abandoned his duty on September 9, 1919.” More than 1,100 members walked and all 1,142 were fired. Edwin Upton Curtis was Police Commissioner, Andrew James Peters was Mayor and Calvin Coolidge was Governor of the Commonwealth. Because of the police officers actions, the city forced the Boston firefighters to dissolve Union Local 19 which they did. It was not until 1942 that the union was reestablished in the Boston Fire Department, with a new number, Local 718. |
1919 | September 27 | A new 1919 American LaFrance Type 12 1000 GPM pumper, Serial # 2658, Shop #124, was assigned to Engine Company 5. This pump remained in service at Engine 5 until 1936. |