Time Line of the Department

Time line

1817 - Fredericton Fire Department is created on March 22

1825-1850 Bucket Brigades appears to be the primary means of fighting fire.

1839 - City Fire Wards drafted a code of regulations on September 3, setting forth the duties of bucket brigades, ladder companies and axe men while in attendance at fires.

Late 1840's - Hand Pumps were in limited use

1848 - Fredericton was incorporated by Act of the New Brunswick Legislature on March 30th

1850 - The Great Fire of 1850 in November

1852 - First four wheeled hose cart owned by the city was built by John Mahoney

1867 - The first Steam Engine, an Amoskeag that was christened 'Alexandra' arrived

1874 - The Silsby steam engine named "The City of Fredericton" was purchased

1876 - Rubber hosed purchased to replace the riveted leather hose

1877 - Hook & Ladder Company formed

1878 - 1st ladder cart was purchased, hand drawn at a cost of $275

1883 - Completion of the pumping station, water now available at hydrants under pressure

1885 - Friction between council and Firefighters. The men demanded an increase in pay as the matter was not handled properly. Some favoured a strike, others advocated diplomacy. Many FF's ended up quitting.

1893 - Fredericton Firemen assisted in two very large fires on the North side of the river.

1902 - Fire Horses were purchased - used to pull a light hose cart and a small ladder wagon

1914 - The old wooden King Street Station is replaced by a brick structure

1916 - Fredericton's first motorized truck; 1916 LaFrance - a chain-drive hose and chemical truck

1916 - The new ladder wagon was purchased, to be pulled by the Fire Horses

1929 - First Motorized Pumper - 1000GPM LaFrance

1932 - Steel Framed ladder sled purchased, to be pulled by the Fire Horses

1938 - New ladder truck arrives

1938 - Fire Horses are retired

1945 - Fredericton Amalgamates with Devon and takes over Fire protection there

1949 - 2 Tankers are purchased

1950 - Fredericton Firefighters Association receives charter as IAFF Local 1053

1950 - 2 Pumpers are purchased

1953 - Ladder truck replaced by a newer closed cab Dodge.

1960 - First Aerial apparatus - a Snorkel

1971 - King St station closed, crews moved to York St

1973 - City of Fredericton Amalgamated with surrounding areas. Barker's Point, Nashwaaksis and Marysville Fire Departments become part of Fredericton.