A family by the name of B. F. Cheek was traveling in a cover wagon from Texas to Atlanta when they heard that there was a town in beautiful Jones Valley. On December 19, 1871, that new town, called Birmingham, was officially incorporated. The Cheek family stayed to become a part of history. Growing from a town to a city, Birmingham prospered at the base of a mountain of coal and iron. So phenomenal was this growth that Birmingham became known as the "Magic City".

        Even in the magic city attention to practical matters, such as firefighting and equipment was required. For in October 1871, the great Chicago fire had destroyed 17,000 buildings. With that news still fresh in their minds, concerned citizens consider a subject of fire protection. Volunteers formed the Pioneer Fire Company # 1 early in 1872, but the firefighting equipment available were leather buckets and long hooks used to pull down burning boards. They preformed with such dedication that the State Legislature would recognize their charter on March 28, 1873.

        Birmingham Background 1871-1899, Birmingham was built around a mountain of minerals, between convenient railroads and by ambitious men. Steady growth through the 1870's outstripped the well-water supply. May 1873 saw the first piped water system. The county courthouse was soon moved from Elyton to Birmingham, but that summer a cholera epidemic almost wiped out the young town. Birmingham bounced back. In 1882 the Sloss furnace was built and a telephone exchange came to town. TCI entered the district in 1886, the same year that electric arc lights were first used. The parent Elyton Land Company paid dividends in 1887 of over 2300%! Boom years. The next year the first steel from Alabama iron was made. Population in 1890 was 26,000. The1890's were slower years as a depression slowed growth. Bicycle riding was a popular past time. National headlines came from the Hawes murders and the Rube Burrows capers. Still, by the twentieth century Birmingham was truly a magic city. 1900 population topped 38,000. Vulcan was built 3 years later. By 1910 population was over 130,000.

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General Assembly of Alabama

March 23, 1873

An Act No. 314

Incorporate the  Pioneer Fire Company # 1 of Birmingham Alabama.

    Section 1.     Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Alabama, that for the of the city of        Birmingham against fire, and for other municipal purposes, that the officers and members, that their associates and successors of the Pioneer Fire Company # 1 of Birmingham, be, and they are, hereby declared and incorporated and constituted by the name and style of the "Pioneer Fire Company # 1 of Birmingham.

    Section 2.     Be it further enacted, that the said company shall be entitled to 75 members.

    Section 3.    Be it further enacted, that the said company may enact such by-laws, rules and regulation for the proper organization and good government of the company as are not inconsistent with the laws of the United States or this state.

    Section 4.    Be it further enacted that the members of said company shall be exempt from militia and jury duty, of Birmingham so long as they continue to perform the duties of fireman.

Section 5.    Be it further enacted that it shall be the duties of the foreman of said company to furnish the sheriff of Jefferson County on oath a true list of the names of members of said company."

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        Birmingham's first fire broke out on July 4, 1872 on the second floor of the building owned by the newly arrived Cheek family. There, at the southeast corner of Third Avenue and Twentieth Street North, a little girl spilled a kerosene lamp. The fire quickly spread downstairs to Birmingham's first drugstore. There was little the bucket brigade could do to control the fire. Drawing water from the well at Second Avenue and Twenty-fifth Street North, they fought gallantly, but there simply was not enough water for the rapidly spreading blaze. Twelve nearby houses were also destroyed. It was a major loss to a small town, which had only 125 homes, and 48 stores, 18 of which were two story brick structures.

        Steps of progress began for the volunteers with the arrival of the first fire engine on April 9, 1873. It was a wooden handpumper, named "Tom Tate" after the past Major pro-tem and young construction man who had built most of early Birmingham. Carrying stiff leather hose, it was pulled to fires by the men on either side, they could maintain 60 up and down strokes a minute. Within a few weeks after arrival of the engine, the then-sparkling Village Creek was serving the new water works system consisting of 25 fire hydrants. Almost 4,000 citizens lived within the city limits spanning only from Seventh Avenue North to Seventh Avenue South and from Eleventh Street West to Twenty-sixth Street East.

        Growth of the volunteer fire companies was interrupted in the summer of 1873 by a cholera epidemic. Half of the population left town or died. After the disease had run its course Birmingham bounced back and fire protection progress resumed.

        By November 1874 there were three volunteer companies: the Pioneer Fire Company # 1, Hook and Ladder Company, and "Tom Tate" later named Mineral City # 2. Most of the town's mayors were members and several future mayors were members. They took great pride in their companies, practicing often so they could always be the first to arrive and supply water to the fire.

        The call for action came from Birmingham's 800-pound bell, summoning many spectators as well. The zeal with which they fought fires made volunteer firefighters one of the glories of the American way of life.

        Competition between volunteers was keen. This was one of the main motivations for them since they served without pay, giving many spare hours in service. Slowing the city began to take up some of the financial burden. After 1883 each company was paid $5 a month for maintenance of apparatus and hydrant inspection. Twenty-five cents per hour was also allowed for time spent at fires. A great expense was the fire hydrants. Each cost $75 to $100 with a yearly water rental bill of $50, a princely sum for those days. The lack of adequate hydrants in latter years can be blamed on the high rates charged by the owners of the water works, Elyton Land Company.

        Other funds were solicited by staging the traditional Fireman's Ball or by passing the hat among spectators at a fire. Later it would not be uncommon for paid firefighters to pass that hat among themselves, donating money or clothes to families completely burned out. In those days before insurance was widespread, even a small fire was a special tragedy.

        There were no "Fire Department," only a group of fire companies. Each organization operated independently under the leadership of a foreman, a rank equivalent to today's Captain. At first no one chief, coordinate or supervised the total effort of the four volunteer companies at the fire scene. This was one of the failings of their techniques. Although Alderman J. B. Luckie, as chairman of the city's fire department committee, was called chief, he had only represented them to the Mayor and Aldermen. Each Forman was chosen for only yearly terms by the men, so often they lacked the experience, organization and teamwork of today's firefighters. Most volunteers traditionally wore red but the Pioneer re Company chose to show their individuality by wearing blue shirts and helmets. Then, as now, firefighters encountered unusual circumstances. On one occasion the water supply was exhausted before the fire was out. This was the old Wood's residence on fifth Avenue. The firefighters took a good supply of milk from the barn and finished the job.

        The volunteer era was a colorful one, but its days were numbered. The last volunteer unit, Mechanics Fire Company # 3, was organized on February 16th, 1881 with twenty members. W. P. Brewer was one of them. Already a successful businessman with a hardware and woodwork shop on First Avenue. In 1882 he became the city's first true Fire Chief with overall command authority and responsibility and served until September 1885.The firefighters were reorganized into a unified fire department on October 4, 1882, though still volunteer, was set up, to be led by the Chief Engineer, with representatives from each company. Assistant Chiefs chosen were W. R. Stanford and I. R. Hochstadter. In January 1885 Chief Brewer was reelected, but by September 1885 an agreement resulted in the resignation of all the volunteers in favor of Birmingham establishing its own paid professional firefighters. This was at the particular urging of the City Marshal, Frank Gafford. In a progressive move, Birmingham established its own professional firefighters, which consisted of a Chief Engineer, a fireman to fire the new steam boiler, three drivers and four hosemen.

        From 1885 to 1887 the City Marshal (F. A. Gafford and A. O. Pickard) was responsible for both the fire and police matters. Their first duty in case of fire was only to ring the big 800 pound bell in the bell tower atop city hall, which would summon many spectators as well. Salaries began at $30 per month and were increased to $50 by 1887.

        Also in 1885 Birmingham received its first steam fire engine and it was named, "Bossy O'Brien" for the daughter of F. P. O'Brien [photo14 Sta.#1] and it also brought new members to the fire service, the uncomplaining horse and they too knew the extremes of weather, lost sleep and the hazardous work. Working in close quarters, the animals' individuality came out and the firefighters became very attached to them. The steam engine was a most impressive sight, with bell clanging and the black smoke belching out of from its gleaming metal boiler and the charging horse's hoofs beating an urgent note on the ground.

        Dogs also played a part in the fire department. Traditionally they were used to help clear the way by keeping other dogs away from the horses. In Birmingham they were always faithful mascots. The most popular firedogs were the Dalmatians, but firedogs of many breeds were kwon. Firedogs remained a part of the Birmingham Fire Department until the death of "Smokey" in 1964 of Fire Station  # 25, located in Powderly of the southwestern section of the city. (Photo 3, Sta.#25).

        Its was seen that a specialist was needed for the increasingly fire department. Ferdinand Neville was appointed Birmingham's first full time fire chief on May 1st, 1887. That year saw the second steam pumper put in service, to be housed in the new Southside Market at Avenue "D" and Nineteenth Street South. This steamer weighed almost 5000 pounds; it could pump 450 gallons per minute and cost $4,200. The city purchased it from the Ahern Company. It was named "Nellie R Raps" in honor of the daughter of George Raps. In return he presented each of the firemen with a blue cashmere uniform. Chief Neville's department consisted of 2 steamers, 3 hose reels, 2400 feet of hose, 9 horses and 21firemen. (Photo 8, Sta. #2)

        As Birmingham grew, the potential for disaster increased. This ever-increasing challenge was met by the first long term chief, J. Thaddeus Mullin, appointed in 189.

        Nine years earlier, the first telephone exchange in town was opened in the building still standing today on the southeast corner of Second Avenue and Nineteenth Street North. Thaddeus Mullin was the exchange lineman. Soon after becoming chief he was able to use his lineman experience to start Birmingham's first fire alarm system, greatly increasing the department's efficiency. By 1893 he had increased the department to 3 steamers and hose reels, with 33 men.

        Then the national financial depression began to effect Birmingham. The city had to tighten its belt, and the fire department suffered. Forced cutbacks reduce strength to 22 men, working 29 continuous days on duty with only one day off each month. As a result of the cutback, the East End and West End hose reel stations were closed

        Now and for years later firefighters had to do their own carpentry, from finishing the insides of new stations to building their own hose wagons, all in a continuing effort to save money. Hose wagons were especially important because steamers carried no hose. The lighter hose wagons arrived at a fire first and laid hose lines from the hydrant. When the steamer arrived it was connected to provide the necessary pressure and volume for the hose stream. Later hose wagons were combine with chemical tanks, which were just large versions of the soda-acid fire extinguisher. With 60-120 gallon capacity they were especially useful on small trash and roof fires. Today, of course, each pumper carries everything needed for extinguishing most fires. This includes a supply of water of 100-500 gallons with pump, hose and nozzles, foaming agents. Long ladders and other specialized equipment are carried snorkels and ladder trucks.

        Unfortunately manpower and equipment were still critical on Friday night of July 21st, 1894 when fire was discovered at the Stowers Furniture Store's four story brick building on the northwest corner of First Avenue and Twenty-second Street North. By the time Chief Mullin and his men arrived, flames roared from basement to roof. As they connected to the hydrants to start pumping, the adjoining Perry Mason Shoe Company became involved. As fate would it, one of the overage steamers broke down. The Chief had been urging the city to buy better equipment and this is the same problem today's firefighters have. Meanwhile few people worried about the grand Caldwell Hotel across the street on the northeast corner of First Avenue and Twenty-second Street North Everyone considered the six story brick to be "fire proof." As heat and sparks increased, the conflagration continued to spread. The Caldwell Hotel was the largest in Alabama and the pride of Birmingham. Measuring 150 feet square and 165 feet high at the twin towers, it had an open courtyard in the middle. Sleepers were aroused as the wooden window  casing began to smoke. Suddenly flame erupted at several spots, quickly leaping to the towers. They soon learned what all firefighters know, there are no fireproof buildings. (see photos 2-5, Fires)

        There was little Chief could do because collapsing walls at the at the furniture store had ruptured water lines and pressure was reduced so low that water could be thrown no higher than the second floor. The blaze roared out of control. Chief Mullin sent wires as far as Montgomery Alabama and Meridian Mississippi asking for help. Luckily the wind was blowing most of the burning embers away from the city. People as far away Avondale stood their roofs brushing off burning embers.

        By heroic efforts the firefighters were able to finally contain and extinguish the fire. The loss was another hard blow to Birmingham. The hotel was never rebuilt and Goodall-Brown occupies the site today.

        At the turn of the century the Birmingham Fire Department still consisted of only 3 steamers, 8000 feet of hose and 28 men. There was another costly hotel fire in 1900, at the Metropolitan. Again weak water pressure was a handicap. Again Chief Mullin asked for sufficient financial support of the department. He asked that manpower and the number of hydrants should be doubled, with hose sections tripled and further pointed out that the steamers had been in service since 1885 and 1887. The City fathers would not act.

        Early one morning in 1901 fire was seen in the huge Southside barn of the Birmingham Railway and Electric Company. Caused by a gas leak, flames were fueled by the oil-soaked floors and brightly painted streetcars. Disaster developed as radiated heat from the engulfed building caused the home of the Reverend J. A. Bryan across the street to catch fire. He and his family narrowly escaped death. From there the flames jumped to Brother Bryan's Presbyterian Church, consuming it. Here the firefighters made a stand and cut off the spreading fire. Their firefighting and cut off the spreading fire. Their firefighting work must have impressed Brother Bryan for he became a special friend. The department responded to his teachings as chaplain. When he died his body was carried to the cemetery in a stately procession on a fire engine.

        A waif taken in by Brother Bryan grew up greatly influenced by his words. Today he has continued his teacher's work, helping families in time of need. And he to was loved as the Fire Department Chaplain, the Reverend James S. Cantrell.

        Into 1901 the request for improvements were repeated, with salary increases, chemical engines and a hook and ladder added. After pressure was put on by the insurance rating boards threatening higher rates, Birmingham finally furnished money to meet Chief Mullin's needs for progress. On September 10th, 1901, with better equipment and a new emphasis on fire prevention, Birmingham was rated a Class 1 city and remain so for many years and the only city in the south to have this rating. At the same the new, spacious city hall, housing Fire Station #1, was readied for the thankful men.

        The department not only serves when fire threatens, but also whenever there is a life-safety emergency. During March 1901, when Birmingham's worst tornado and storm struck, the men under Chief Mullin were there helping in rescue efforts by using their horses to pull trees off crushed houses. Almost 500 homes and buildings on Southside were destroyed and 700 people were injured.  The newest Metropolitan steamer in 1901 was named for the other, Alderman Harry Jones, who was the chairman of the Fire and Water Committee for several years.

        And firefighters were there helplessly at the Shiloh Baptist Church, at Avenue "G" and Nineteenth Street, on the afternoon of September 26th, 1902. In the overcrowded church 4000 delegates to the National Convention of Negro Baptist Preachers press together to hear an address by the eminent Dr. Booker T. Washington. It was the 22nd annual meeting of the convention and the second time here. Attendance was the largest ever. Opening remarks stated, "A kind providence has directed that we should meet in this Magic City, the center of the great manufacturing interests of the South; whose spirit of progress rivals that of many of the older and larger cities of the country."

        It was hot and stuffy. Somewhere a scuffle broke out over a disputed chair. People back away. Someone hollered "Fight" Someone else heard it wrong and incorrectly repeated, "Fire!" The dreaded word caused a panic, and a mad rush for the inadequate exit. Men, women and children were crushed under the rushing mass. When the fire department arrived (someone did turn in a alarm) they found the awful scene. One hundred and twenty people were crushed or suffocated that night.

        New equipment that year included a 65 foot aerial ladder truck and Gamewell alarm system. Big fires of 1902 were Moore-Handley Hardware and Saks Department store. Morris Avenue was a site of several dangerous fires. The worst was in February, 1905. Gale strength winds fanned the flames. Its seemed that the fire would rage out of control until a rally by the firefighters stopped its spread. The second, on July 3rd, 1905, demonstrated the nature of the firefighter's job. From their sound sleep, the bell jerked them into action at 2 o'clock in the morning. Fire was already raging at 2105 Morris Avenue, in the four story building of the Birmingham Paper Company. several companies began the battle against great odds. The crew of Station #1's hook and ladder truck was working in the street when suddenly the walls collapsed. Tragically two men were kill, G. B. Spruill and C. B. Huffman, four others seriously injured. The two were the first Birmingham firefighters to lose their lives in the line of duty. In December, J. Oscar Keith was killed when the ladder of the aerial truck touched a live wire during the first recorded fire at Loveman, Joseph and Lobe Department Store.

        Chief Mullin retired on August 1st, 1905. While he was chief, the fire department increased to 6 station and 56 men, in the heyday of the steam fire engine. Captain Will M. Walton of Station #1 was named to replace Chief Mullin.

        Birmingham was experiencing rapid growth at this time. Our iron statue of Vulcan had been a hit at the St. Louis Exposition. The Wright Brothers had flown their airplane, but the Titanic disaster was 6 years away. It seemed to be a good time for all, but in fact Birmingham had outgrown its Fire Department as the result of apathy in the city government. Newspapers declared that where millions in property were at stake, it was poor economy to maintain an inadequate fire department simply because of financial stress in some areas. Undeservedly Chief Walton personally was blamed for fire department situation. When several bad fires caused much damage, he was replaced in 1906 by Armenius V. Bennett, Captain of Station #3 and a firefighter since 1890. Walton remained as First Assistant Chief, the first to serve in this position. At this time the Mayor and Alderman elected a Chief yearly a practice carried over from the reorganization of the volunteers in 1882.

        Chief Bennett in 1906 commanded almost 100 men with 40 horses in service. This year was to become one of the most encouraging years in our up and down financial history. But there were still fires occurring, most often from carelessness. The largest fire in 1906 was almost identical to the largest fire of 1907. Both were in the Mayberry-Chaulifoux Building. Both alarms came in at 12:25 a.m. and both losses were about the same.

During these years the fire department enjoyed the special friendship of both Birmingham's leaders, two men who understood the needs of the fire service. Mayor George Ward was one Once he arriver at a big fire from a party, dressed in his finest. When he ash Chief Bennett how he could help, the Chief silently pointed to the dirty wet hose. Just as silently Mayor Ward picked up the hose, pulling slack for the firefighters.

        Votes in 1908 turned out to decide the controversial issue of merger of the surrounding communities into Greater Birmingham. It carried easily and one of the areas to become part of Birmingham was North Birmingham. In 1909 the north Birmingham was experimenting with an exciting innovation, the talk off the town. Is was a new Web motorized fire engine and gasoline powered pump, the first to be used in the south. With a 70 horsepower engine it could carry 8 men, 1200feet of hose, ladders and a chemical tank, up to 50 miles per hour, and then pump water at 750 gallons per minute. Throughout 1909 Chief Bennett tested it and watched it in action, becoming convinced that it was right for his department and especially suited for Birmingham's hilly terrain. He asked for two of the new engines for 1909, but a decision was delayed. He at least was able to secured the first Chief's automobile for the department.

        Finally on December 4th, 1909 the new Mayor, Frank P. O'Brien was ready to determine for sure which was more efficient, the gasoline pumper or the steams pumper. A race was arranged. It was to begin at Station #1 at Fourth Avenue and Nineteenth Street North, go down the to Twentieth Street and from there south to Avenue "A" and Twentieth Street, where water would be put on the Moore-Handley Building. The Daniel Building stands on this site now. The automobile pumper was the first to be seen anywhere south of Ohio, so interest was high. Visiting firemen came from as far as Macon, Chattanooga, Jackson and Montgomery to see this new engine, the "Thelma Carnes" named for the daughter of the North Birmingham Mayor.

        Street and rail traffic was stopped by Mayor O'Brien, an old volunteer firefighter himself. Many shops closed as spectators lined the entire route. Chief Bennett road the new engine indicating his preference. But many old timers still had sentimental attachment to the steamer. The motorized engine arrived first, ahead only by 30 seconds, but increased its lead to several minutes before the steamer could build up pressure.

        If anyone remained unconvinced, then the fire at Birmingham Southern College on Owenton Hill five days later settle the issue. Although the entire campus was in danger, the horses couldn't pull the old steamer up the hill to the fire. The motorized pumper was called from town. It arrived only 6 minutes, charged almost into the flames and stopped the fire. That was the beginning of the end to the are of the horse drawn steamer. Full motorization was begun in 1910. The last horses were replaced in November 1916 at the Wylam station (#17). Birmingham led the south and most of the Nation in this modernization.

        Meanwhile the consolidation of the surrounding towns became official on January 1st 1910. Census figures of 1900 showed a population  of 38,000. Now in 1910 the figures increased to 132,000, making Birmingham the largest city in Alabama. Some of the new area was a temporary liability as the fire department's area of response was extended over 50 miles. Fire hydrants and alarm boxes were few or non-existent. But firefighters met the challenge before them.

        An insufficient number of hydrants was one reason that an East Birmingham  fire spread to 30 houses before it was put out. As bad as this must have seemed, 30 houses and buildings would be classified as a "small" conflagration by national comparisons. Other cities look back at fires which roared out of control to consume 17,000 buildings in Chicago in 1871, or 1,938 buildings in Atlanta in 1917.

        One fire in a area where fire hydrants were scarce also presented a variation of the problem. When the Reynolds Brothers Grocery caught fire, firefighters were lucky enough to have the only hydrant within several thousand yards right on the corner of the building. This asset became a problem when the fire grew to engulf the near by hydrant. Arriving firefighters had no choice, they had to get it. With wet blankets over their heads they rushed the flames to attempt to connect the hose, only to find that the great heat had expanded the threads of the hydrant and that the couplings would not fit. Quickly buckets of well water cooled things down so they could connect to the hydrant.

         A frequent problem was the common wood shingle roofs. Burning embers or brands from one fire could easily be blown for blocks to start another fire. It was said Birmingham's shingle roofs were especially dangerous because our air pollution killed the moss and other small vegetation which helped retain moisture in the wood. Finally fire prevention laws restricted wood shingle roofs after it was seen that over half of all alarms was a result of this one fire hazard.

        The worst fire since the Caldwell Hotel fire occurred May 8th, 1914 at the office of the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power Company, a four story building at First Avenue and Twenty-first Street North. Flames, probably fueled by a gas leak, spread so rapidly that the employees even on the ground floor were hampered in their escape. Because for several minutes no one stopped to call the fire department, those flames had spread out of control when Chief Bennett arrived. The street were full of spectators just getting off work, and they screamed in unison, pointing above. A man was trapped at the third floor, but before the ladder could raised, he fell. Them another man who had delayed to save company records jumped or fell from the fourth floor. Firefighters braved the intense heat to hold the life net, but the man struck on obstruction and miss the net.

        At another window a young girl could be seen. As she fell back into the room, flames licked out the window. More screams from the crowd. Seconds later, fortunately, two firefighters staggered out with the frightened but safe girl. Slowly this fire too was beaten back.

        That summer Chief Bennett retired and was replaced by Assistant Chief Sidney A. Middleton. That he was elected while away on vacation shows the confidence held in him. Chief Middleton's department consisted of 144 men and 24 officers, operating 18 stations, with two more soon to be opened with gasoline powered fire engines. Horses in the service were down to 17. Hanging over his head was that perennial problem, budget difficulties. The Special Report on Fire Loss and Firefighting Facilities in Birmingham , September 1914, officially pointed out that manpower was low for cities of Birmingham,  side, and that general financial support was lacking. However they said good work was being done toward reduction of fire loss. The city's difficulties increased, the fire department and all other department were forced to reduce manpower. Although Birmingham could boast of very low taxes, there was little revenue coming in to support the city and its services. It cost the fire department50men, a heavy blow to Chief Middleton. He was able to keep all station open, but realized a need for renewed attention to fire prevention activities, including talks with school children.

        By August 1915 things were better. With an all-motorized department, Birmingham continued to operate at peak efficiency until World War 1 began. Many experienced firefighters went into military service and other experienced men were hired away by higher salaries. Kelly Ingram was one firefighters turned sailor. Although previously in the Navy, he had been a firefighter from 1910 to 1913. Others of his family would also join the department and his friends remembered him as a able firefighter. On October 16th, 1916, he became the first American sailor killed in action when he reacted to an emergency with a heroic instinct not unlike that of many firefighters. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, and Congress authorized the U. S. S. Ingram, the first destroyer to be named for an enlisted man. ( Sta. #18, photo #4).

        Back home, the Central High School fire in February 1918 woke up many in Birmingham to what the fire department had been trying to say, that the fire alarm system was in need of updating. a delayed alarm resulted in the lost of the large school.

        This year the Great War was winding down. The infamous Red Baron was killed in April, symbolizing the decline of Germany's power. With peace, the veterans were able to return to the fire department. But things were still changing.

        The organization of labor groups all over the country was resulting in better working condition and salaries. Firefighters were earning $70 a month for working seven consecutive 24 hour days, a total of 168 hours and was allowed only 24 hours off before returning for the next seven day stretch. Three hours per day were set aside for meals, but the firefighter was expected to remain nearby to answer any alarms. He also furnished all of his own protective clothing except his helmet. On September 13th 1918, seven farsighted firefighters formed the Birmingham Firefighters Association, Local 117 of the I.A.F.F. (International Association of Fire Fighters). The objectives of the Association were the fostering and encouragement of a high degree of skill and efficiency, and to obtain better wages for firefighters.

        It was the beginning of better days, Shortly after organization, salaries were increased to $90 per month. By October 1919, Birmingham was ready to try the two platoon system, realizing that the previous long continuous duty severely strained the men. Eighty-five new firefighters were hired to implement the change. The two platoons were made up of a 10 hour day-shift and a 14 hour night-shift. This was later changed to 24 hours on and 24 hours off.

        The Roaring Twenties began by ending the city's worst five year fire loss record, largely the result of wood shingle roofs. Those losses could have built homes for the whole population of Bessemer or built 2000 miles of macadam roads. The 1920 population of Birmingham was 177,00. Again, fire prevention efforts were stepped up.

        One item of concern to the Southeastern Underwriters was the facilities at City Hall where the Fire Department and Fire Alarm Headquarters were hosed. They feared the possibility of fire in the hazardous building destroying all communication. Chief Middleton had already seen he danger, and now the city was convinced. Money was appropriated. In 1921 Fire Station #1 moved into the fire-resistive building (#1's second Station) at 1916 sixth Ave North and the Fire chief's office and Fire Alarm Headquarters entrance was on the Seventh Avenue side of the building, ( now stands Park Place Towers). The year 1921 also saw the celebration of Birmingham's Fiftieth Anniversary.

        Chief Middleton, having known the lean years, could now be proud of his full force of 213men, including two Assistant Chiefs and two Battalion Chiefs. Satisfied with a job well done, the chief retired in 1922 to be replaced by J. L. Akin, a firefighters since 1899. Progress begun by Chief Middleton was continued by Chief Akin. Firefighters and policemen sponsored in1923 the original Civil Service bill, improving organization, promotion methods and morale. New stations continued to be built, with new engines and better equipment. A Fire Department band was organized.

        Still their business was fire. the worst fire of the 1920's had been predicted. The City Hall fire of April 23rd 1923 toppled the bell tower, and destroyed the library, but Fire Alarm was safe in Station#1's building. Birmingham was the proud  host in 1929 of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. American La France chose this Birmingham meeting for their unveiling of their Master 200" series of fire engines. A few of the engines acquired during the growth of the twenties exist today in operating, prized processions of proud fire buffs.

        Prosperous years, the twenties, but they were followed by the Thirties and the department suffered under the worst-ever depression. In its sixtieth year Birmingham was called the hardest hit city in the nation according to the Hoover administration. Again the city chief had to face reduction in manpower. Those remaining could not celebrate, for their salaries were cut 40% and there were times when that was paid in script which only a few stores accepted. Chief B. O. Hargrove took over after Jim Akin stepped down in 1934. The stage was setting for a repeat of the happenings of 1894, when the undermanned department was faced with a potentially unstoppable conflagration. Then if was the largest hotel. Now in 1934, on March 10, disaster struck the largest department store; Loveman, Joseph and Loeb.

        The fire department was called when smoke was notice coming from under the three foot high sub basement. That smoke took a fearful toll of the firefighters as they crawled under crisscrossed cables in cramped space, searching for the seat of the fire. Unseen the fire spread upward, feeding on highly combustible merchandise and on the pine-oil soaked  wooden floor. More fireman fell injured or overcome by smoke in the attempt to combat the blaze. The black smoke visible for miles summoned numerous spectators. Radio relays, some narrated by Alabama's Pat Buttram, carried the news far and wide. The critical possibility of losing nearby buildings was ever-present. Hours later the fatigued force was able to declare it under control, but the store was a 3 million dollar loss, still Birmingham's most expensive fire. One hundred fifty firefighters and volunteers were injured in the battle. Afterwards there was an uproar over charges of "cheap politics" and as a result there was a renewed interest in providing the department with sufficient manpower and equipment.

        The next summer saw another tragic hotel fire, this time the Florence Hotel on Second Avenue North and Nineteenth Street. Combating the blaze was only one duty, for in the hotel were many trapped people. The safety of Birmingham's citizens is always the first responsibility of the fire department. Ladders to the windows brought many to safety but eight people perished.

        Vulcan, Birmingham's stature of the god of fire and metalworking, was put on its 124 feet high pedestal atop Red Mountain. Also in 1937, Alf Brown took over as Chief. His career started in 1902, as an extra, filling in for those who wanted off, and his pay was ten cents an hour. To eliminate any possibility of missing a fire, rookie Brown slept on the engine during his first few months. Chief brown was able to demonstrate to doubting newsmen his ability to come from a sound sleep, hear an alarm, and be out of the station on the way in less than 20 seconds.

        The Depression ended but World War II began, with 35% of the department's men stepping forward to volunteer. Those that stayed behind still served their country and their city, battling many stubborn blazes, with manpower shortages and an under equipped department. Chief Alarm Operator for so many years, George Crossett remembered that there was humor at times among the seriousness. Once a woman called to calmly ask who paid for putting out a fire, the owner of the hose or the tenant renting it. He explained that no one paid, that the city provided such service free. "Well," she said, "my house is on fire. Could y'all come?"

        Hotels continued to be a fire and life safety hazard as the Morris Hotel on First Avenue burned in November 1943. Two were killed. Bad luck and fire struck city hall again in June 1944, but thought was already begin given to construction of a new building at Woodrow Wilson Park (now Linn Park).

        Birmingham's population continued to increase, reaching 267,000 by 1940. In the following decade another change in firefighting equipment took place when the fog nozzle was introduced. Before, the straight stream nozzle was used extensively for both initial attack and final extinguishment, but this action often caused unnecessary water damage. Chief Middleton's early use of the small hose lines had helped greatly. Now, by breaking the water stream into smaller droplets and exposing more surface area to the fire, the fog nozzle resulted in more efficient extinguishment. Throughout its history, the Birmingham Fire Department has continually evaluated its methods to insure the use of its the most modern technique.

        The most significant progress in the Forties was seen in communications. 1944 saw the beginnings of radio dispatching which is responsible for today's rapid response to a fire. Alf Brown, like Thad Mullin who first introduced  a fire alarm system in Birmingham, saw the potential in radio communications. by 1945 the new Chief J. R. Smith, had obtained a two way system on the same frequency with the police department. When a separated frequency was available in 1948, Birmingham became one of the nation's leaders in such modernization. A special benefit of this advance allowed in-service fire prevention inspections to be made, greatly increasing efficiency.

        Some firefighters still at times paid the supreme price of their profession. One Halloween night the men at Station #18 in Pratt City were giving a party for the neighborhood children. Right in the middle came an alarm, thrilling the youngsters. But around a corner tragedy struck. An unseen train rammed the fire engine, killing firefighter J. T. Pearson. To compound the sorrow was the fact that there was no fire or emergency, the alarm was only a thoughtless Halloween prank, a false alarm.

        From 1948 Hoyt Ayers led the fire department through more changes and modernization. After considerable urging the fire department was allowed to initiate another organizational change which increased morale and efficiency. in 1948 the three platoon, 60 hour work week was introduced, eventually reduced to today's 53 hours per week.

        Through all the hard and lean years, many faithful wives have stood behind their firefighters. As a result of the efforts of some of these interested women and with the help of Ray Perry, a Ladies Auxiliary to the Birmingham Firefighters Association was formed in July 1950, with Mrs. Charles C. Graham serving as the first President. They have contributed greatly through their many civic activities and other services to the Fire Department.

        During the 50's the fire department continued to lower the fire losses, building up an enviable record. While the National fire losses increased 30% during those years, Birmingham's fire losses decreased 20 percent. Between fire calls, a bitter controversy was brewing over salary differential between police and firemen. When Chief Ayers retired in 1957, R. B. Knox replaced him. Chief Knox was one of the original organizers of the Birmingham Firefighters Association.

        Although the 1960's were to hold many unforeseen challenges and more trouble times for the department, the decade began with impressive new equipment and successful new Chief , John L. Swindle and Assistant Chief Neal Gallant. Closed cab engine provided more protection for firefighters, and the new Snorkel elevating platform greatly increased versatility. All of this was of vital importance on August 26, 1965 when Birmingham's most spectacular and dangerous fire since 1934, occurred , again on Morris Avenue. Set By arsonists , the Morris Avenue blaze gained considerable headway in the old building before firefighters arrived. In the fierce battle 17 men were injured in the fire before it was brought under control.

        With the new drill tower at Station #20 at Five Points West, built by the city only after years of urging by Chief Swindle and those before him, firefighters were able to receive even better training. This training was tested again in December 1970, when another dangerous fire, across the street from the 1934 Loveman's disaster, threatened to take the whole block with the Lawrence Furniture Company. Determined efforts through several hours of darkness prevented this.

        Especially dangerous to the firefighter crews were the numerous high-voltage wires along the alley behind the building. A touch meant death instant death. Normally these wires would have been de-energized, but such action could have resulted in sudden darkness in surrounding buildings, possibly trapping people in stalled elevators or causing many injuries to frightened people.

        A fire station was added at the Birmingham Municipal Airport, Station #5, again only after years of request by Chief Swindle. Sill the apparatus was borrowed from the Air National Guard, but at least trained personnel were available to respond in seconds.

        As the mother city paused to celebrate its Centennial Anniversary in 1971, the fire department pointed with pride to its newest and most modern facility, Fire Department Headquarters and Fire Station#1, at 1807  Seventh Avenue North, (this is the third station built for #1), complete with classrooms and heliport. In cooperation with Jefferson State Junior Collage, fire science courses were begun to further provide up-to-date knowledge and training for the department. In January 1972, the first diplomas were awarded for the Associate in Applied Science degree.

        But with all the sophisticated communications system; with all the well-trained new and modern equipment, the fire department still depends on prompt notification of a fire by a citizens at the scene. At times it becomes easy to assume that someone else has turned in the alarm. Such a delayed alarm was a deciding factor in the loss of the historic Highland Clubhouse on June 30, 1972. The fire occurred just three days short of the one hundredth anniversary of Birmingham's first fire.

        At one hundred years, 1972 finds the department in the best condition it has enjoyed, 620 men strong, 28 stations, ever mindful of the men who went before to provide fire protection to a young and struggling town, through good years and seemingly impossible years, learning always so that we might enjoy the fruits of their experiences.

Written By Jerry W. Laughlin and transcribed by Marshall Page

 

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