HORSE DRAWN STEAM FIRE ENGINE AND THE TODMORDEN FIRE BRIGADE OUTSIDE THE TOWN HALL

December 1885 saw the arrival of Todmorden's first steam fire engine, which was first used on December 30th to douse a fire at Castle Street. The second fire was on January 31st 1886 on North Street early in the morning. It was discovered by PC Pickup who ran to raise the alarm, but the fire bells proved inadequate at rousing the firemen. To make matters worse, the bell rope broke and only the Superintendent and 3 firemen turned up. At a 4th. fire in July 1886 the fire bells went at 9-15am and and the men and engine were at work by 10am. The fire was quickly quenched but as much damage was done by water as by fire.

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