1631

First fire prevention ordinance banned thatched roofs and wooden chimneys.

Contract made with Joseph Jynks for fire engine to be brought to fire.

Building laws required slate or "tyle" roofs and brick walls.

First paid (call) municipal fire department organized.

Thomas Atkins first fire chief.

Building provided to house fire engine.

Boston had 6 engine companies.

First mutual fire society for salvage of members’ goods from fires.

First leather fire hose imported from England.

Present fire department organized.

First municipal fire alarm telegraph system installed with alarm office in city hall tower.

Steamers replace hand engines.

Permanent engineers, drivers, and firemen appointed.

Adjustable fog nozzles placed in service.

11 -inch fire hose introduced and pronounced success by Chief Damrell.

Famous Boston fire led to appointment of a board of fire commissioners. Fire destroyed 776 buildings, 13 killed, and a $75,000,000 loss.

Boston’s first steam fireboat.

Self-propelled steam engine towing hose reel placed in service.

Permanent District Chiefs appointed and a number of companies fully manned by permanent men.

Locks changed on fire alarm boxes to reduce false alarms.

First fire department repair shop under a superintendent of apparatus and fire alarm.

Dial lines installed for communications between headquarters, alarm office, and District Chiefs. Telephone not invented until 1876.

Aerial ladder placed in service. Earlier "Skinner" ladder place in shop.

Relief valves installed on all engines and shutoff nozzles issued to all engine and hose companies within a year.

Library books issued to all fire stations for study and recreation.

"All out" signal 2-2 2-2 established for use on multiple alarms and was not used for first alarm fires. This apparently released call men required to standby.

Signal 1-1-1-1 given on tower bells and gongs directed companies responding to disregard saving the horses for long runs.

Bangor extension ladders issued to ladder companies replacing spliced ladders.

Legislation passed to permit underground electric wires.

New pension law and Firemen’s Relief Fund organized.

Fire Department owned 260 spittoons and 30 manure forks. Sale of manure credited to Fire Department.

Sliding poles installed.

Bunkrooms placed on apparatus floor in several stations to speed response.

Electric firehouse gongs installed

Private fire alarm boxes installed in schools, theaters, stores, etc.

First aid kits distributed to fire companies.

Horatio Ely pensioned after 15 years service. Pension $1.00 a day.

Life nets issued.

Thanksgiving Day fire required 8 alarms and outside aid, 2 firemen killed, widows got $300 pensions.

Board of commissioners replace by single fire commissioner after Roxbury conflagration which destroyed 216 buildings including a fire station during previous year.

Rubber tires installed on fire apparatus.

Detailed mutual aid plans adopted with 8 adjoining departments.

Fire Chief had electric automobile

Thirty-two automobile fires in city during year.

Annual pressure test of hose (200 psi) instituted.

Civil Service exams instituted for all ranks below Chief of Department

High pressure pumping stations placed in service replacing old salt water fire main system supplied by fireboats.

Last fire horses retired.

Radio installed in fireboats, chiefs’ cars, and rescue companies.