3730 x 5620 px | 31,6 x 47,6 cm | 12,4 x 18,7 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
2008
Ubicazione:
Fire Station Nanaimo Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada
Altre informazioni:
By the mid 1800s, it became apparent to the citizens of Nanaimo that the old "Bucket Brigades" were no longer adequate fire protection. At a public meeting on May 4th, 1878 the "Black Diamond Engine Company" was founded. The first fire station was built at the corner of Wharf and Front Streets on donated land and with donated materials. The first fire engine was purchased from the City of Portland for $700.00. Also purchased was five hundred feet of hose for $250.00. The original personnel consisted of thirty volunteers who lived in the area of the fire station. This original fire station was destroyed by fire that started in the Royal Hotel in 1894. In 1890, a subscription list was started in order to secure funds to construct a new modern brick fire station. The new station, at the foot of Nicol Street, was officially opened December 15, 1893. This building is still standing and is presently owned by private interests. With problems that developed over the years between the Fire Department, Provincial Government and the City, it was decided that the City of Nanaimo would take over the fire department. John Parkin was appointed the first Fire Chief and two Firefighters were hired to drive the horses, "Tom and Jerry". Nanaimo's Fire Department was one of the first departments in Canada to purchase motorized fire apparatus. In 1913 Nanaimo purchased a pair of Type 10 Combination Hose and Chemical Cars from American LaFrance. These vehicles are still in existence; one (Shakey)is currently housed in the museum at Station #1, Nanaimo. Thanks to a few dedicated firefighters, Shakey has been restored and is operational. In the early 1950s, the City amalgamated with Brechin District and a small satellite station was built to house one of the 1913 engines. By the early 1960s, the fire station at Nicol Street was becoming too small and in 1967 the department was relocated to the new station on Milton Street.
