Springfield Fire Department


The Springfield Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. The department is one of the oldest established fire departments in the United States.

History

In the 1670s, Springfield was burned to the ground during the King Philip's War. As a result, the settlers started to focus on the need for fire protection. Technology of the time limited this protection to a simple bucket brigade. On January 17, 1794 citizens formed a volunteer fire club that agreed to "preserve the lives and property of each other from destruction by fire". This was the start of what would become the Springfield Fire department and makes it one of the oldest established fire departments in the country.
This volunteer department was supplemented by aid from the Springfield Armory until the late 1800s. In 1852 the town was incorporated into a city and this called for a new fire organization. Years later in 1872, the department transitioned to an all paid department. This transition brought about the establishment of a central telegraph alarm system and the creation of a gravity-fed, reservoir water system which is still in use. In 1913, the Department became one of the first municipal department in the country to be completely motorized, using Knox fire engines manufactured in Springfield.

Stations and apparatus

The Springfield Fire Department operates out of 8 fire stations.
Fire Station NumberAddressEngine CompanyTruck CompanySpecial UnitDistrict Chief Unit
1605 Worthington St Engine 1Truck 1Tac 1, Rescue Boat
3382 White StEngine 3Truck 3Med 3District Chief 2
515 Odessa St.Engine 5
833 Eastern AveEngine 8Truck 2Rescue 1
41212 Carew StEngine 4Truck 4Arson/Bomb Squad UnitDistrict Chief 1
72729 Main StEngine 7Rescue Boat
21265 Parker StEngine 2Brush 1
614 Massreco StEngine 6

Disbanded Fire Companies

Throughout the history of the Springfield Fire Department, several fire companies have been disbanded.