(1872-1928)  Important Dates & Major Incidents

The stables of James Bryce, a NY cotton broker, were completely destroyed by fire.  The Morristown F.D. aided the city. 

A call was transmitted over the telegraph to Morristown requesting assistance at a fire at Van Wagners Drug Store on Waverly Place.  Morristown F.D. aided the city saving a great deal of property.

A severe fire at the Allen Building on Main Street threatened the whole business district.  Three Morristown firemen were rescued from the basement after a 1st floor collapse.

The Madison Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 was duly incorporated "for the purpose of protecting life and property from fire"

The first hose cart was purchased.

The first fire headquarters was occupied.

The Firemen's Relief Association of Madison was duly incorporated "for the purpose of relieving disabled or indigent firemen."

The Hook & Ladder Company went under the control of the city.

A municipal water system was established and a hose cart along with 800 feet of hose was purchased for $700.00.

The Borough of Madison is formed taking over control of the Hook & Ladder Company. 

The old truck was sold to the Afton Fire Company (Florham Park) for $150.00.

The old hose "jumper" was sold to the Chatham F.D. for $75.00.

A new hook & ladder truck was acquired for the cost of $1,125.

A new fire headquarters was built by land donated by the Burnet Family at the North corner of Central & Cook Avenues.

A supply wagon was purchased for $650.00.  Later it was mounted on a Pierce Arrow chasis and used as a auxiliary hose truck.

The Madison Borough council adopted "an ordinance to establish, regulate, and equip a fire department in the Borough of Madison." (Ordinance #61)

A new bell had been purchased for $647.00 and placed in the bell tower next to fire headquarters.  The new bell was used until 1935.  In 1936 the bell was sold to a church in Moorestown NJ. 

C.F. Force's machine shop, now the site of the Westcoot -Alexander establishment was totally destroyed with a loss of over $30,000.

A Gamewell fire alarm system was installed and adopted.

The council approved a fire siren to be purchased similar to the one in Summit NJ. The siren was located on Convent property and was operated by the steam boilers at the water plant.

The Madison Hose Company No. 1 is formed after twice being petitioned and denied by the borough council.

A new No. 3 Webb auto pumping engine with (12) 3 gallon chemical tanks was purchased for $6,000.  The truck was sold in 1937 to the Cedar Knolls F.D.

Adolph DuBarry mansion (now the site of Bayley Ellard High School) was completely destroyed.  Described as the most costly blaze in the history of Madison.  Loss $300,000.00.

The barns of Aicken Greer, on Central Avenue was destroyed, with five horses, harness, a large moving van, three spring wagons and other equipment.  The most valuable horse was saved.

The Flangan Building, which occupied the site of The Madison Trust Company on Waverly Place, was damaged beyond repair.  The fire threatened the whole business district of the city.  The Morristown F.D. sent assistance and eight powerful steamers were in use.  "The firemen were hampered by intruding citizens, who had to be sprayed with water."

Several occupants were trapped in a boarding house fire at the corner of Green & Hillside Avenues.  Occupants were rescued by firemen. At least one victim died due to smoke inhalation.

It was reported that the home of Henry Feuchtwanger on Loantaka Way was afire.  The department made ready to respond, but were notified that the fire was out.  Shortly afterwards it was discovered that the whole top floors were fully ablaze.  Assistance was provided by the Morristown F.D., Washington Engine Company.

Webb's barns, situated on Ridgedale Avenue, were completely destroyed by a spectacular fire which destroyed five valuable horses and five cows.

A fierce blaze was fought for over 24 hours by firemen at the Green and Pierson's lumber yard.  Numerous houses on Main Street were ignited by flying embers.  The ruins were still smoldering two days later.  Assistance was provided by the Morristown F.D..

Several barns on the Dodge estate were destroyed by fire resulting from lightening.