History(Niagara Fire Company No.1)

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Niagara Hand Pumper 1878

Niagara Fire Company No.1

     The feeling of confidence in fire protection was destroyed on September 20, 1877 when Vineland's second disastrous fire took place. Again, in the early morning hours between two and three the citizens were aroused by the cry of "Fire!" The bells of the Methodist Church and the High School building rang out the alarm. Several businesses were destroyed on Landis Avenue, the loss amounting to $8,000.
     Although the citizens worked heroically, their means were still insufficient to prevent the destruction and they realized that something more must be done. A meeting was held in the Baker House on October 2nd. Another group of men joined the department calling themselves the Niagara Engine Company and they took immediate steps towards procuring a fire engine and hose wagon.
     The new hand pumper arrived in March 1878 and on the 26th an entertainment was given to raise funds towards its payment. During the show, the new engine was displayed for the first time to the public. It was of 7" to 9" cylinder velocity and required eight men to operate. The nozzle tube was attached to the side with hooks for buckets and a bell on top. There was a long handle in front used in transport. Everyone marveled at this little pumper and the town once again inspired with confidence and pride.
     The hose wagon arrived the following month. It was called a "jumper" because being drawn on only two wheels it could easily be jumped over curbs and other street obstructions.

"NO HOSES THEN"

Until the close of the 18th century, fire engines could only pump water directly into the blaze. If the fire was beyond the reach of the nozzle mounted on the pumper, nothing could be done except with buckets. The invention of hose was a tremendous step forward. Firemen could enter the burning structure with a hose line and go directly to the flames while the engine was operated on the street. Unlike the old engine which had to be filled manually with buckets, the new hose engine could draw water through a hose line directly from a cistern of lake by means of suction. Every hundred feet of hose was as effectual as sixty men with buckets. This first hose was made of leather which was riveted in sections. The hand sewn leather hose often leaked or cracked and was replaced by rubber hose in later years.

Brief History

History Written By Linda M. Kandle in 1976.

COMPANY 1

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Niagara Fire Company No.1

"NO HOSES THEN"

Brief History

Bucket Brigades

Vineland Hook & Ladder

Pioneer Fire Company No. 1

Steamer

Fire Horses

A Bell For Pioneer Fire Company No. 1

Reliance Fire Company No. 1

South Vineland Fire Company No. 1

North Vineland Fire Company No. 3

Main Avenue Fire Company No. 4

Panther Road Fire Company No. 5

The Creation Of Professionalism

Progress

Growing With The Times

The Pride Of The Department

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