By Claire Emery Machan (Excerpts from Pathway to Skyway-Revisited)

During the 1880s, the Burlington Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed and the first horse-drawn apparatus bought in 1893. It is recorded that in 1895 H.Lowe, the equipment engineer, was paid $21 per month for his services.

The town hall in those days served as the police office and “lock-up”, as well as the fire station. A bell was erected on the town hall to call the volunteers in the event of a fire. (This bell has been preserved and can now be seen at the entrance to the Central Library). In 1895, councillor Campbell moved that the first person ringing the bell in case of fire should receive a gift of $2. The motion was defeated.

Accounts paid to firemen and helpers were important items for council In 1897, it was recorded that “Mr. Clegg moved that the Burlington Fire Committee purchase four coats, six pairs of boots, six hats, five pairs of gloves, one pole hook with chain attached, one roof ladder, one lamp and table for the fire hall, one steel bar four feet long, said items to be purchased in the cheapest market.” This was achieved as the bill only came to $26.40. The council also approved $1.15 for cheese and soda biscuits for firemen at a recent fire and $1 for matches.

In 1907, underground tanks were built in various locations in the village for water storage in case of fire. These served until the waterworks was built in 1909. For many years, Burlington’s tall water tower at the corner of Maria and John Streets was a well-known landmark. It stood at that location until 1956.

The first motorized fire truck was bought in September 1916 and it greatly increased the brigade’s efficiency. It cost $4,855. It was a combined chemical and hose truck with a two ton capacity. Volunteers had been paid $1 for drawing the old apparatus to the fire. This was no longer required.

That Fall, the firemen were permitted to display their new Denby truck at the Oakville Fair provided that they leave a wagon with “hose loaded and team of horses harnessed for emergencies.” The old hose reel was later given to the Peel-Halton House of Refuge in Brampton. The new truck had a good workout on a windy night at the beach when 14 two-story houses burned.

In 1918, the fire and light committee wished to install a signal siren fire alarm, but decided that the one purchased “is absolutely unsatisfactory and we will not accept same.” A local family continued to attend to the ringing of the bell, a telephone having been placed in their home to notify them of the location of fires.

Prior to 1900, hook and ladder companies were strictly voluntary. Members carried out their duties without remuneration, the social activities being their reward. There was a spirit of camaraderie in the volunteer organization and wholesome rivalry between companies.

Burlington firemen were constantly kept busy with the town band and sports activities. As firefighting apparatus developed in efficiency and the town increased in size and population, more permanent arrangements became necessary.