Background of the
Ashtabula Volunteer Fire Department
- 1876 -
The Ashtabula Volunteer Fire Department was well equipped at the time of the bridge disaster with 3 fire engines and brigade of approximately 128 men. The 3 fire engines were as follows: Engine 1, "Protection", a hand engine with 500 ft of hose; Engine 2, "Lake Erie", a hand engine with 500 ft of hose; Engine 3, "Neptune", a steam engine with 1100 ft of hose. Both hand fire engines were purchased in 1836 from William Platt & Company for $700 each. The steam fire engine was purchased in 1874 at a cost of $6,100.