Author: admin

Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

Old Fire Engine

An interesting relic of the early days still preserved in Brisbane is a horse-drawn fire engine, intimately known to the firemen of Brisbane as “Bobs.” The engine was purchased in 1898, and in the early days “Bobs,” drawn by two fine grey horses, was the pride of Brisbane. The services of “Bobs” were only utilised on one occasion; that was in 1904, and ever since “Bobs” has stood spotlessly clean in a corner of the Brisbane Fire Station.

Brisbane’s fire brigade was established in 1882, and for many years the brigade’s only equipment consisted of a small manual engine and a hand-reel with large wheels and 500ft of leather hose. Canvas hose was unknown in those days, so were telephones, and often before the brigade arrived at the scene of a fire the building or buildings had been burned down.

Outside the brigade’s headquarters was

See Full Post >>

Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

The Fire Engine.

The value of the motor fire reel was demonstrated last week when a grass fire broke out on Mr. D. Fraser’s farm on Copeland’s road, for the warning fire bell had scarcely ceased ringing, when a full load of volunteers was aboard the engine and proceeding at a rapid pace towards the fire.

This early assistance was no doubt helpful in making an early attack on the fire possible, and as more men were required, and no creek water was available, the engine was despatched back to Warragul and brought out another batch of fire-fighters.

The ringing of the fire-bell on Friday evening also brought a rapid response for help, but the fire proved to not be very serious, some grass having caught alight near the engine sheds. The smart arrival of the brigade on the motor reel, however, soon put a stop to the

See Full Post >>

Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

Fire Engine Display

The superintendent of the Charters’ Towers Fire Brigade, Mr J. Morrison, states that the new fire engine will give a display in Lissner Park on May Day.

Immediately the May Day procession arrives at the part the recently arrived fire engine, which will be included in the procession, will display its 35ft scaling ladders with one of the members of the brigade ascending with hose connections to the top.

Water pumping, which will be independent of the local reticulation supply, will also be demonstrated to the public. This should prove to be a welcome feature for inclusion in the May Day sports.

Description source:
The Northern Miner, 1 May 1954

View the original image at the Queensland State Archives:
Digital Image ID 18581

See Full Post >>

Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

New Longreach Fire Engine.

On Saturday last the Longreach Fire Board took delivery of the new Dennis Ace Fire Engine, which left the workshops of the body-builder and painter, Mr Roy Adams, that day.

The pump on this unit is rated at from 350 to 450 gallons a minute, and is capable of delivering four good jets of water at over 100 lb. pressure each.

Under the supervision of Mr. H. Austin, tests were carried and proved satisfactory. Queensland timbers were used in the construction of the body.

Description source:
Morning Bulletin, 17 August 1937

View the original image at the Queensland State Archives:
Digital Image ID 18614

See Full Post >>