Bracebridge Fire Department History

Imagine the downtown core of Bracebridge in the late 1800's.That area was what the first Fire Brigade were required to protect. We should all be proud that fire protection was a priority back as early as 1876 when the first Fire Brigade was established, with John Haw as Fire Warden. There were approximately 50 firefighters that operated on a $500 to $700 budget. There was an average of 25 fire calls just in this small area each year.

The Village Council was petitioned in 1875 to purchase a fire pumper. This was approved and $1500 was raised to
purchase a used fire engine from Port Hope. This engine was man-powered by the firefighters. The engine, commonly known as the "Muskoka Belle" is now on display at the Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst, as a lasting reminder of those early days.

It was not until 1878 that the firefighters were allotted $100.00 to purchase uniforms. In 1882, a horse drawn hose
and ladder wagon was purchased. The firefighters were called out by ringing the bell at the Anglican Church and it
was not until 1893 the Village purchased their own fire bell to be installed at the Fire Hall. Henry Slater was one
of the first bell ringers and was paid $20.00 a year. This bell is on permanent display outside our present Fire Hall.
The equipment was housed in a frame building on Dominion St., in the location where the Seniors Building is today.

Several bylaws were brought into law in those early years. Chimneys were a major problem and needed to be regulated. Also, after several major fires, frame buildings in the downtown core were considered to be a high risk factor and brick construction was required with fire walls. As early as 1882, a bylaw was passed prohibiting the blowing of horns, loud shouting, ringing bells or causing other sound for the malicious purpose of raising false alarms of fire.

Since this was the way some firefighters were called out. It was Important to keep this type of alarm only for the
firefighters. It Is Interesting to note that a bylaw was passed in those early years to enforce the assistance of
inhabitants of the Village to assist in extinguishing fires when requested by the Captain or other officials of the Fire
Company.

There was still no good source of water unless the fire was accessible to the river so four tanks were built and buried in different areas of the downtown core. With 450 feet of hose, most buildings could be reached. The tank capacity was approximately 3000 gallons each. It was in 1880 that a tender was let to build a new Town
Hall, a part of which would be allocated to the Fire Department as a place to keep their equipment. The grand
opening of this hall was in 1881.

In 1884, Mr. Bird of the Bird Woolen Mill approached the town to offer his water pump used to run his Mill as a pump source for the downtown core if the Town would lay water lines and put In fire hydrants. Mr. Bird was relieved of 10 years of taxes in exchange for the use of the water pump.

Over the next many years, the firefighters fought lots of serious fires, not only In Bracebridge. One such fire was
in Gravenhurst In 1887 when the whole town was threatened and the Muskoka Belle was sent by rail to help. The
Bracebridge Fire Chief at that time was heard to exclaim "Oh, if I only had our fire hydrants here".

The next updating of equipment came In 1933 when a new 1932 Ford fire truck was purchased for $1500. This same truck Is still owned by the Volunteer Firefighters and most of you will have seen It in local parades and on display. In 1935, a new pump was purchased for $954. This money was raised by the firefighters.

The horse team was sold to C.W. Archer and was taken by barge to Browning Island.

Over the next several years, other equipment was purchased by the Town and It is worthy to note how supportive Council has always been over the years to make sure we had the best equipment that could be obtained.

The next fire truck purchased was the 1950 CMC with 500 gallon water tank and a pump that would pump 500 gallons per minute. This pumper has stayed In the area also and is in the collection of Paul Hammond who has restored it as a dump truck.

Twp protection was agreed on in 1955 and in 1957, Bracebridge became part of the Muskoka/Parry Sound Mutual
Fire Aid Association.

The early Emergency vehicles were used station wagons, the first, a 1954 Ford coming to us from the Ontario Fire
College and the second, a 1958 Ford station wagon formerly owned by Abe Dawson. These were used to carry breathing apparatus, and any other equipment needed at a particular call. As well it carried extra men to the fire.

In the early 1960's, we had our own trained diving team for water rescue and recovery.

Other trucks and equipment that have come and gone over the years are a 1964 Chev. pumper, a 1971 Dodge 3/4 ton truck with 200 gallon tank and two portable pumps, a 1974 CMC van as an Emergency vehicle, a 1974 CMC pumper, a second 1974 GMC pumper with output of 840 GPM pump, a used 1980 IHC 1500 gal. tanker, a used 1981 GMC 1500 gal. tanker and a 1984 Ford 1500 gal. tanker complete with 35 gallon foam tank.

We have come a long way since those early days and even though fire trucks are not as bad as computers, they do
become obsolete and not suitable for the demands of the Community.

As the former Fire Hall adjacent to the Town Hall was becoming too small for the size of the rigs of the Fire Dept. and also because the Town Hall needed the space for offices, a new hall was commissioned and opened in 1981 by Frank Miller, MPP. Mr. Miller was heard to say at the opening "I'm impressed with the display of dedication, pride and spirit of the volunteer firefighters".

The fires and accidents which have the most emotional impact for all firefighters are those with loss of life when even one is too many. At these horrific times, we strive to get through it and support each other and recognize that perhaps some firefighters need extra emotional support and we strive to get that for them. It is at these times, that the firefighters are one family and seem to be able to recognize if more support is necessary for a fellow firefighter.

Today's volunteers spend many hours training, both at the department and at the Ontario Fire College. Many hours are also spent volunteering time to the community through fundraising for such things as our new set of Hurst "Jaws of Life" as well as Public Education and Fire Prevention.