Archives
1873-1899
On October 14, 1874, city council presented its first money plebiscite to eligible voters. It included an order to obtain a $25,000 line of credit for the purchase of fire engines and apparatus, and the construction of buried underground water tanks along Main Street for firefighting purposes. This was no surprise, given that the only people who were entitled to vote during this period were the property owners, a number of whom were also responsible for organizing the fire brigade.
The equipment ordered included the standard supplies for a city of Winnipeg’s size: hose reels, hose, a Babcock hook-and-ladder truck, and Babcock chemical engines. The committee also ordered a horse-drawn steam pumper from the Silsby Steam Engine Company. While this unit would normally have taken six months to arrive, a day after the committee approved the order, the Silsby Company telegraphed the city, offering to immediately deliver a highly finished engine . . . for an extra $500.
Nov. 8, 1873
Winnipeg incorporated as a city.
Sept. 24, 1874
Volunteer Fire Brigade formed. William Code was one of the originals in the brigade.
Nov. 18, 1874
Brigade receives equipment.
Jan. 25, 1875
By-law passed for organization & management of a fire department.
Dec. 25, 1875
Winnipeg Fire Brigade’s fire hall on Lombard Ave. burns down.
April 19, 1877
Brigade reorganized, Dan McMillan is elected as Chief.
May 3, 1877
Dominion House and stables burn, located at Main St. and St. Mary.
Aug. 14, 1877
Brigade meets Lord & Lady Dufferin visiting Winnipeg.
Jan. 3, 1878
New Fire station on Market Square opened.
1882
Temporary headquarters at Smith and York until station No. 2 was built..
Mar. 13, 1878
A. Current’s store located on Main St. burns, tanks frozen.
Mar. 23, 1882
24 boxes for the street box system were installed along with 6 gongs.
May 17, 1882
Winnipeg Fire Department formed; W.O. McRobie is first full-time Chief.
Original assignments to Winnipeg’s New Fire Department – 1882
Chief- W. O. (William Orme) McRobie – Hired April 20, 1882
Asst. Chief- A. (Alexander) Aiken Hired May 3, 1882
Electrical – J. (James) Yuill – Hired May 3, 1882
Fire Inspector -J. J. (John) Johnson – Hired May 3, 1882
There were 150 Applications to become members of the Permanent Fire Department.
Twenty eight below were selected to serve in the three stations:
Central- 347 William Avenue- North side opposite Charlotte Street (Now Hargrave)
South- 150 Smith Street- North West corner of York Avenue
North- 47 Maple Street – North East corner of Fonseca Street (Now Higgins Avenue)
Central Station
Foremen
W. (William) Code
Engineers (Steamers)
A. (Alexander) Short
Asst. Engineers (also known as Stokers)
J. (John) Stanish
Hook & Ladder Driver (Aerial)
J. E. (John) Gray
Hook & Ladder Tillerman
A. (Albert) Caulfield)
Ladder Truckman
W. T. (Walter) Rutherford
G. (George) McGillivary
C. (Charles) Parr
Hose Co. Driver (hose Reel)
S. (Sylvester) Sinnott
Hoseman
W.G.(William) Nicholson)
W. (William) Chester
T. (Thomas) Lake
Chemical Driver
W. (William) Almour
Asst. Chemical Driver
R. (Richard) Dargie
South Station
Foremen
J. (John) O’Brian
Engineers (Steamers)
C.W.(Charles) Hutchison
Asst. Engineers (also known as Stokers)
C. (Charles) Akin
Hose Co. Driver (hose Reel)
A. (Alex) Young
Hoseman
J. (John) Follis
Chemical Driver
J. (John) McDonald
Asst. Chemical Driver
H. (Harry) Fogg
North Station
Foremen
E. (Edward) Rodgers
Engineers (Steamers)
C. (Charles) Housley
Asst. Engineers (also known as Stokers)
J. (John) Smith
Hose Co. Driver (hose Reel)
J.M. (John) Wilson
Hoseman
J. (John) Russell
Chemical Driver
W. (Walter) Scott
Asst. Chemical Driver
S.(Samuel) Tait
Jan. 26, 1883
Chief McRobie moves into new Central Station on William Ave. at Charlotte. (Hargrave)
Feb. 1883
Approx. this time, North Hall built on NE Fonseca (Higgins) and Maple St.
June 19, 1883
South Hall – No. 2 station at Smith and York is built and first used.
1885
Due to budgetary concerns, Hook and Ladder Company placed in reserve, and six men discharged.
May 1, 1892
Princess Opera house fire.
Nov. 16, 1894
One of the biggest battles, Western Canada Building.
Feb. 19, 1895
New 65-foot Hayes aerial ladder truck purchased.
1896
End of year sees 49 street corner fire alarm call boxes in use.
Feb. 11, 1898
McIntyre Block, the finest business structure of the time burns.
1899
No. 1 Fire Hall built at 110 Albert St. (demolished in 1965)
Feb. 9, 1899
The Manitoba Hotel fire, $800,000 damage, a huge amount in 1899 dollars.
Have something to add?
If you are in possession of artifacts, documents, or photos relating to the fire fighting service, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and consider donating to our collection.
Your Donations Keep Our Engines Running
The Winnipeg Firefighters Museum aims to entertain and educate our visitors about the current processes and historical stories of the fire service. The museum relies on your donations in order to continue with the mission of the Winnipeg Firefighters Historical Society. Please follow the link below to make a secure, charitable donation.
Winnipeg Firefighters Museum
56 Maple Street / Honourary Firefighter Way
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3B 0Y8
Charitable Registration # 119232957RR0001
Phone: (1) 204-942-4817
© 2019 The Firefighters Historical Society of Winnipeg | Reproduction of the site in part or in whole prohibited unless with written permission. All rights reserved.