1920-1929

1920

Three stations protecting 6.9 square miles and 24,418 residents.

City Commission combats false alarm. From January 10, 1920 edition of the Raleigh Times: 

"Reward Offered For Those Who Ring False Alarms

"The City Commission has determined to try to put a stop to the large number of false fire alarms that were turned in in this city if they can do so by an aggressive campaign against the offenders and with this and in view of Mayor Eldridge has been authorized by the Commission to offer a reward of $50 for the detection and conviction of any one guilty of this offense.

"Publication of the offer of reward will be made in the next few days and the mayor asks all good citizens to aid in any way possible in helping in the campaign. For one thing, an appreciable number of false alarms were supposedly turned in by thoughtless children. Parents may aid by cautioning children of the danger and of the trouble they were likely to get themselves and their parents into by this form of amusement. The mayor does not expect, however, that any appeal will reach the more mature offenders except vigorous enforcement of the law, hence the campaign.

"The penalty was a minimum fine of $100. The campaign was decided on for one reason, because it was costly to run the fire trucks out, but mainly because of the unnecessary danger involved in racing the trucks through the streets to answer false alarms. They necessarily have to go at a high rate of seed and the danger was ever present. It cannot be avoided in case of fire but false alarms should not be permitted to almost double the number of times the trucks have to go out."

Administration building at State Prison burned. Fire was discovered by a prisoner at 3 p.m. in east tower above building. Warden Busbee and "scores of prisoners" begin combating flames with "chemicals" through a trap door in the ceiling of the fourth floor. Fire was kept under control until chemicals were exhausted. By the time of the arrival of the fire department, the top of the tower was burning rapidly. Seriously handicapped by a lack of water pressure, firefighters and prisoners can do little until two lines were stretched from Harrison and Ashe Avenues, more than a thousand feet away. The extinguishing was witnessed by hundreds of spectators who hurried from the downtown district upon word that the "prison was on fire." The section of the building burned was occupied by Superintendent Collie and his family. The two top floors, which were gutted, were not in regular use. Firefighter Ralph Upchurch suffers "painful burns" when he was "caught on the burning tower for a time without water." Another firefighter was "stunned for a minute" when a hose line, extended to the top of the tower, fell and struck him on the head. (March 15, 1920)^rt16mar20

City Commissioners passed ordnance to ban parking in front of a fire hydrant illegal. The ordinance reads "Be it ordained by the Board of Commissioners of the city of Raleigh:

• Section 1. That it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, to park any automobile or other vehicle within fifteen feet of any fire hydrant in the city of Raleigh.
• Section 2. That was shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to place any building material or other obstruction within fifteen feet of any fire hydrant in the city of Raleigh.
• Section 3. Any person, firm or corporation violating the provisions of this ordinance shall suffer a penalty in the sum of two hundred dollars ($200).
• Section 4. This ordinance being in the interest of public safety shall go into effect immediately." (March 27, 1920)^rt27mar20

City firemen and policemen received $10 monthly raise. (July 15, 1920)^rt16jul20

Seaboard Air Line Railway roundhouse on Johnson Street burned. Fire starts at southeast corner of roundhouse where machinists were working at a forge, when an oil pipe breaks due to a piece of iron falling on it. Oil shoots to the ceiling and flames from the forge immediately ignite it. The railroad's volunteer fire department responds and quickly controls the flames before the Raleigh fire department arrives. The volunteer fire department has two hose reels and a membership of sixteen men, eight for day and eight at night. M. B. Holmes was the fire chief. (August 25, 1920)^rt25aug20

Laundry Building at State Hospital for the Insane burned. Laundry building was destroyed by blaze and later explosion from store gasoline. Fire was discovered at 3:15 a.m. and firefighters arrive at 3:30 a.m. Hundreds of spectators attend as well and, in the excitement, 200 female patients were inadvertently "liberated." More than 1,000 "insane patients" were also "thrown into a wild panic," though none were injured. Firefighters successfully prevent the spread of the flames to other buildings and, by 6 a.m., have returned to quarters. The lost was estimated at over $100,000. (September 25, 1920)^no26sep20

Metropolitan Hall demolished. Building not damaged by fire, as prior historical entries had indicated or been interpreted as such. Building largely vacant, except for food shops?

1921

Pullen Memorial Baptist Church at Fayetteville and South streets burned. The Friday night blaze for a time threatens the Wake County clinic, Rex Hospital, and nearby residences. Aided "by wind and rain," firefighters "confine the flames to the church by some of the best firefighting seen in this city in some time." Damage was estimated at $20,000. (April 22, 1921)^rt23apr21

Hill's city directory dated 1921 summarized department as:

• Headquarters - 110-112 W. Morgan
• Chief - H. H. Horton
• Assistant - W. E. Holland
• Hose Company No. 1, 110-112 W. Morgan - E. B. Smith, Captain
• Hose Company No. 2, S. Salisbury near Davie - G. W. Higgins, Lieutenant
• Hose Company No. 3, 135 E. Hargett - W. H. Denning, Lieutenant
• Truck Company No. 1, 110-112 W. Morgan - A. A. Doolittle, Lieutenant.

1922

Apparatus delivered: 1922 American LaFrance Type 75 pumper. Photos and more information. (August, 1922)^cm

Apparatus delivered: 1922 American LaFrance Type 14 combination service truck placed in service. First motorized service truck for fire department. Photos and more information. (October 10, 1922)^rfd

Hill's city directory dated 1922-23 summarized department as:

• Headquarters - 110-112 W. Morgan
• Chief - H. H. Horton
• Assistant - W. E. Holland
• Hose Company No. 1, 110-112 W. Morgan - E. B. Smith, Captain
• Hose Company No. 2, S. Salisbury near Davie - G. W. Higgins, Lieutenant
• Hose Company No. 3, 135 E. Hargett - W. H. Denning, Lieutenant
• Truck Company No. 1, 110-112 W. Morgan - A. A. Doolittle, Lieutenant.

1923

Lewis F. Hicks appointed fourth Fire Chief, serves 1923-1926. Hicks joined the fire department in 1913. He succeeds Chief Horton. (June 1, 1923)^{yb84, rfd}

Building at 109 W. Martin Street burned. The 7:45 a.m. was transmitted from box 31_. Three lines and 1,500 feet of hose were used on the three-story, brick building. (September 5, 1923)^rfd

Engine 1 strikes onlookers as Southern School Supply burned. The 2:50 p.m. alarm was received by telephone. Five lines and 2,000 feet of hose used on the one-story frame building. A second one-story frame building was also involved. During the incident, Engine 1 crashes into a group of spectators on a sidewalk on W. Martin Street. A ten-year-old boy was killed, and another man was seriously injured. A dozen people total were struck. [AI] (November 7, 1923)^{rfd, no08nov23}

Building at 123 Fayetteville Street burned. The 12:00 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 29. Four lines and 2,000 feet of hose were used on the three-story, brick building. (November 27, 1923)^rfd

Hill's city directory dated 1923-24 summarized department as:

• Headquarters - 110-112 W. Morgan
• Chief - L. F. Hicks
• Assistant - W. E. Holland
• Hose Company No. 1, 110-112 W. Morgan - E. B. Smith, Captain
• Hose Company No. 2, S. Salisbury near Davie - G. W. Higgins, Captain
• Hose Company No. 3, 135 E. Hargett - W. H. Denning, Lieutenant
• Truck Company No. 1, 110-112 W. Morgan - C. F. Gaston, Lieutenant.

1924

Two-platoon system created. Firefighters on duty ten hours a day for four days and fourteen hours a day for four nights. (August 4, 1924)^yb84

Four houses burn in the 800 block of Canister Street. The 3:05 a.m. was received by telephone. Four lines and 1,000 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame buildings. (August 16, 1924)^rfd

National Board of Fire Underwriters presented report on Raleigh's fire protection capabilities. Read the report. (October 1924)

Downtown Angier burned. The $150,000 blaze destroys four businesses. Fire department responds to nighttime request for assistance, along with Fuquay Springs and Dunn fire departments. The Raleigh engine company covers the "27 miles of rough road" in 55 minutes. The town subsequently sends a letter and $75 check in appreciation. Angier was located 21.71 miles from Station 1. [MA] (November 20, 1924)^cm

Royal and Borden Furniture store at 123 Fayetteville Street burned. The 3:00 a.m. alarm was transmitted from Box 29. Three lines and 1,200 feet of hose were used on the two-story, brick building. (December 23, 1924)^rfd

The Grand Theater at 127 Fayetteville Street burned. The 3:05 p.m. alarm was received by telephone. Three lines and 1,200 feet of hose were used on the two- story, brick building. (December 30, 1924)^rfd

1925

Commercial Printing Company at 115-117 Salisbury Street burned. The 6:35 a.m. alarm was verbal. Three lines and 1,000 feet of hose were used on the two-story, brick business. (January 25, 1925)^rfd

Apartment building at 123 E. Hargett Street burned. The 5:25 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 216. Three lines and 900 feet of hose were used on the three-story, brick building. (January 26, 1925)^rfd

Motor Service Company at 310-312 S. Salisbury Street burned. The fire spreads to Raleigh Roofing Service, a one-story metal shop. The 1:30 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 314. Nine lines and 4,000 feet of hose were used on the one-story brick building. [MF] (January 28, 1925)^rfd

Residence at 507 E. Cabarrus Street burned. The 9:00 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 248. Three lines and 850 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame structure. (March 6, 1925)^rfd

Residence at 1210 Filmore Street burned. The 8:30 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 515. Three lines and 1,200 feet of hose were used on the one- story, frame structure. (March 23, 1925)^rfd

Apparatus delivered: 1925 American LaFrance Type 75 pumper. Photos and more information. (April 28, 1925)^no29apr25

Almo Theater at 215 Fayetteville Street burned. The 12:05 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 29. Eight lines and 4,000 feet of hose were used on the two-story, brick business. [MF] (July 15, 1925)^rfd

Two homes on West Cannon Street burned. The 5:40 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 315. Six lines and 3500 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame structures at 419 and 621 W. Cannon Street. [MF] (August 31, 1925)^rfd

Purchase of equipment authorized for upgrade of fire alarm system. Amount of $17,318.50 includes 2-circuit switchboard, four battery racks, 360 battery cells, 10-circuit repeater, 35 fire boxes, and 5 recording sets consisting of punching register and take-up reel. (November 6, 1925)^cm

Life net purchased during Fiscal Year 1925 at cost of $95.^cad

1926

Construction bid awarded for "fire alarm station" adjacent to Station 1. The $1,632 bid was awarded to J. N. Bryan with the provision that work must be substantially completed by March 1, 1926. (January 23, 1926)^cm

Commercial Printing Company at 227 S. Salisbury Street burned. The 1:00 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 29. Nine lines and 3,500 feet of hose were used on the brick business. [MF] (February 17, 1926)^rfd

Apparatus delivered: 1926 American LaFrance Type 75 pumper, placed in service as Engine 2. Photos and more information. (March, 1926)^rfd

Main building at State Hospital For The Insane burned. The 12:30 a.m. alarm was received by telephone. Fifteen lines and 7,000 feet of hose were used. Read narrative describing the fire. [MF] (April 10, 1926)

Apartment building and home on S. Person Street burned. The 8:25 p.m. alarm was transmitted from Box 211. Four lines and 2,000 feet of hose were used on the one-story frame apartment building and the two-story frame residence. The addresses were 1104 and 1102 S. Person Street. (May 1, 1926)^rfd

State Prison at 835 W. Morgan Street suffers fire. The 12:45 p.m. alarm was received by telephone. Three lines and 850 feet of hose were used. (May 8, 1926)^rfd

Station 4 opened at 505 Jefferson Street. Engine 4 placed in service with 1920s American LaFrance pumper. Photos and more information. The following men were assigned to the station:

• Capt. C. F. Gaston
• Lt. J. G. Harrison Hose man
• J. A. Allen, Driver
• B. A. Edwards, Hydrant man
• K. J. Smith, Hose man
• E. D. King, Driver
• H. L. Riverbark, Hose man
• E. B. Schineder, Hydrant man. (June 15, 1926)

Apparatus delivered: 1926 American LaFrance Type 75 pumper, placed in service as Engine 1. Photos and more information. (August, 1926)^rfd

Fire Chief Lewis Hicks died of illness. (August 21, 1926)^cm

W. Ernest Holland appointed fifth Fire Chief , served 1926-1939. Holland joined the fire department in 1913. (September 1, 1926)^{yb84, rfd}

Three businesses in downtown Clayton burned. The Johnston County town suffers about $90,000 in losses when an early Friday morning fire, originating in the L.H. Johnson Hardware Building, sweeps through three other stores. Believed started in a pile of rags, "possibly by spontaneous combustion," the fire was discovered about 3:45 a.m. The Clayton Fire Department responds but soon calls Raleigh for help. Engine Company 5 arrives shortly after 5:00 a.m. and were "of material assistance in preventing the spread of the flames." The stores that suffer losses were The Clayton Department Store, the L.H. Johnson Hardware Company, and the Owen Gulley Company, Inc. (general merchandise). Clayton was located 18.87 miles from Station 5 at 1914 Park Drive in Raleigh. Reference: The Raleigh Times, October 8, 1926. [MA] (October 8, 1926)^rfd

The Rainey Estate at 102 Hillsboro Street burned. The 12:45 a.m. alarm was received by telephone. Six lines and 2,500 feet of hose were used on the two-story, frame residence. [MF] (November 4, 1926)^rfd

Station 5 opened at 1914 Park Drive. Engine 5 placed in service with 1920s American LaFrance pumper. Photos and more information. (November 18, 1926)^rfd

Saint Agnes Colored Hospital on Oakwood Avenue burned. Fire starts about 7:25 a.m. and was confined to the third floor of the three- story, brick building. Students from Saint Augustine College battle flames before three pumpers and two ladder trucks arrive. Students also remove 44 patients from the building. Damage initially estimated at $25,000. Overheated pipe believed to be cause. The alarm was received by telephone. Five lines and 3,250 feet of hose were used. [MF] (December 16, 1926)^{no17dec26, rfd}

Apparatus notes: New automobile purchased during Fiscal Year 1926 at cost of $960. ^cad

Hill's city directory dated 1926 summarized department as:

• Headquarters - 110-112 W. Morgan - phone 414
• Chief - L. F. Hicks
• Assistant Chief - W. E. Holland
• Second Assistant Chief - E. B. Smith
• Engine Company No. 1, 110-112 W. Morgan - J. S. Campbell, Captain
• Truck Company No. 1, 110-112 W. Morgan - G. G. Sauls, Captain
• Truck Company No. 2, 412 S. Salisbury - G. W. Higgins, Captain
• Engine Company No. 3, 135 E. Hargett - P. L. Morgan, Captain
• Engine Company No. 4, 505 Jefferson - C. F. Gastor, Captain
• Engine Company No. 5, corner Park Dr. and Oakland Ave. - R. D. Upchurch, Captain.

1927

Residence at 307 E. Edenton Street burned. The 7:50 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 18. Three lines and 950 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame structure. (January 3, 1927)^rfd

Three buildings in downtown Wake Forest burned. Three buildings, housing two cafes and the town's only movie theater, were destroyed by a late morning fire. Discovered about 11:00 a.m., the flames also consume a pair of barbershops housed in the second stories of two of the buildings. The Raleigh Fire Department was "summoned immediately," arriving at the college town in a mere 17 minutes. They aid Wake Forest firefighters in "checking the flames" and preventing their spread to other structures. Total damage was estimated at between $40,000 and $50,000. (Nearly all of the fixtures of H.E. Joyner's luncheonette were rescued; the other two buildings were "but superficially furnished.")Wake Forest was located 18.94 miles from Raleigh. The fire department's 17-minute run averages 66.93 mph. Reference: News & Observer, April 23, 1927. [MA] (April 22, 1927)^rfd

Residence at 501 Cleveland Road burned. The 2:55 p.m. alarm was received by telephone. Three lines and 1,800 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame structure. (March 29, 1927)^rfd

Residence on Oberlin Road burned. The 11:20 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 57. Three lines and 1,200 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame structure. (April 12, 1927)^rfd

Store at 112 W. Hargett Street burned. The 6:35 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 361. Eight lines and 6,000 feet of hose were used on the two-story, brick business. [MF] (April 18, 1927)^rfd

Residence at 212 W. Morgan Street burned. The 10:05 a.m. alarm was transmitted from Box 35. Three lines and 1,300 feet of hose were used. (April 24, 1927)^rfd

West Side Inn in Cary burned. Raleigh Engine Company 4 unleashes a "speed burst" with a 12-minute run. Firefighters arrive in time to save the lower half of the two-story wooden structure. The town's firefighting equipment was already in use, but flames "had gained such headway" that the Raleigh Fire Department was summoned. Select furniture was saved and the kitchen was not damaged. The entire upper story was destroyed, however, with only the frame work remaining. Cary was located 10.17 miles from old Station 4 at 505 Jefferson Street in Raleigh. The fire department's 12-minute run averages 60 mph. References: News & Observer, May 6, 1927. [MA] The Raleigh Times, May 5, 1927. (May 5, 1927)^rfd

Furniture company at 109 E. Martin Street burned. The 8:10 p.m. alarm was transmitted from Box 23. Three lines and 1600 feet of hose were used on the three-story, brick structure. (August 18, 1927)^rfd

Fire department responds to Morrisville. Engine company arrives to find building nearly burned down and no water supply available. [MA] (October 1927)^rfd

Tailor shop at 22 W. Hargett Street burned. The 1:55 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 29. Three lines and 1350 feet of hose were used on the two-story, brick business. (November 6, 1927)^rfd

The Capitol Club at 14 W. Martin Street burned. The 7:40 p.m. alarm was received by telephone. Four lines and 2,500 feet of hose were used on the three-story brick building. (December 21, 1927)^rfd

Hill's city directory dated 1927 summarized department as:

• Headquarters - 110-112 W. Morgan - phone 414
• Chief - W. E. Holland
• Assistant Chief - E. B. Smith
• Second Assistant Chief - J. S. Campbell
• Engine Company No. 1, 110 W. Morgan - R. D. Upchurch and G. G. Sauls, Captains
• Truck Company No. 2, 412 S. Salisbury - G. W. Higgins, Captain
• Engine Company No. 3, 135 E. Hargett - W. L. Choplin, Captain
• Engine Company No. 4, 505 Jefferson - A. B. Lloyd, Captain
• Engine Company No. 5, 1914 Park Dr. - E. B. McGhee, Captain.

1928

The Grand Theater at 115 Fayetteville Street burned. Both the theater and office were damaged. The 6:35 p.m. alarm was received from boxes 216 and 231. Four lines and 3000 feet of hose were used on the two-story, brick building. (January 3, 1928)^rfd

Storage building at 213 Fayetteville Street burned. The 12:15 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 216. Six lines and 4000 feet of hose were used on the two-story, brick building. Another building at 220 S. Wilmington Street was also involved. [MF] (April 18, 1928)^rfd

Hiner Supply & Manufacturing Company foundry plant at 800 N. North Salisbury Street were destroyed by fire. Damage was estimated at about $25,000. The adjoining H. Steinmetz Floral Company plant was threatened but saved. Fire can be seen for "ten miles in all directions." The 9:00 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 164. Five lines and 2500 feet of hose were used. [MF] (April 23, 1928)^{rfd, no24apr28}

Residence at 541 E. Lenoir Street burned. The 5:35 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 242. Three lines and 800 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame residence. (May 29, 1928)^rfd

Eagle Life Insurance Company at 718 S. Bloodworth Street burned. The 6:30 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 234. Three lines and 700 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame building. (June 11, 1928)^rfd

Store at 218 S. Salisbury Street burned. The 6.18 p.m. alarm was received by telephone. Three lines and 1,550 feet of hose were used at one-story, brick structure. (June 15, 1928)^rfd

Yarborough House at 327-327 Fayetteville Street burns. Four-story brick building with 46,500 square-feet, built 1852, contains the regionally famous Yarborough Hotel as well as stores. Fire starts in basement at base of elevator shaft, and quickly spreads through entire structure. The entire fire department responds, with five pieces of apparatus. Durham and Smithfield send engines as mutual aid. Total of 750,000 gallons of water was used, with over a half mile of hose. No injuries, and only one piece of equipment damaged, a ladder run over by an automobile. The 1:20 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 314. Fifteen streams and 7200 feet of hose were used. [MF] (July 3, 1928)^{rfd, no15jul28}

Residence at corner of Hillsboro and Salisbury streets burned. Alarm was sound during Yarborough Hotel fire. Blaze was extinguished by number of citizens who break into house before the fire truck arrives. Home of R. B. Raney was empty and damage to building and furniture was around $1,000. (July 3, 1928)^no04jul28

Residence at 130 Park Avenue burned. The 3:00 a.m. alarm was transmitted from box 516. Three lines and 900 feet of hose were used at the two-story, frame building. (October 17, 1928)^rfd

Wakelon High School in Little River burned. The building, located in "district No. 4, Little River Township, white race," was destroyed by an early Wednesday morning fire. Discovered in the basement, the $60,000 conflagration consumes both the building and its entire contents. Zebulon's fire department and a truck from Raleigh respond to the 4:00 a.m. alarm. The lack of a sufficient water supply prevent firefighters from saving the structure. The two-story, brick building was built two years ago to "relieve congestion" in the older school building. Zebulon was located 20.73 miles from Raleigh. References: The Raleigh Times, November 14, 1928; Wake County Board of Commissioners Minutes, November 22, 1928. [MA] (November 14, 1928)^rfd

Three buildings in 600 block of Gaston Street burned. The 11:18 a.m. alarm was received by telephone. Four lines and 1200 feet of hose were used. Two residences and a church, all one-story frame buildings at 607, 609, and 611 Gaston Street were involved. [UF] (November 25, 1928)^rfd

College building burns in Louisburg. Flames consumed the west wing and two top stories of the old Central Building at Louisburg College about 1 a.m. Some 150 girls were asleep inside when the fire was discovered. They walk to safety, albeit being "forced to flee in scanty attire." Units from Raleigh, Henderson, Rocky Mount, and Franklinton rush to the scene to assist Louisburg firefighters, with the Capital City's crew reaching the scene in 38 minutes. They make "a world's record," Louis-burg Fire Chief B.H. Meadows notes. When they arrive, notes Raleigh Fire Chief W.E. Holland, the main building appears "doomed." Thus they concentrate their efforts on saving the front section and the kitchen. With Raleigh firefighters working on one side and Rocky Mount firemen on the other side of the T-shaped building, the blaze was brought under control by 4 a.m. Three people were slightly injured: a local banker, when he was struck in the head by a chair thrown from a building; a Henderson fireman struck by falling brick; and an unidentified Raleigh fireman. The Capital City crew remain on scene until dawn. "The boys did a good piece of work," says Chief Holland. Louisburg was located 31.58 miles from Raleigh. The fire department's 38-minute run averages 49.86 mph. Reference: The Raleigh Times, December 5, 1928. [MA] (December 5, 1928)^rfd

Junk shop in 300 block W. Cabarrus Street burned. The 7:12 p.m. alarm was transmitted by box 343. Three hose lines and 900 feet of hose were used at the one-story, frame building. (December 30, 1928)^rfd

Apparatus purchase: new automobile during Fiscal Year 1928 at cost of $660. ^cad

Hill's city directory dated 1928 summarized department as:

• Headquarters - 110-112 W. Morgan - phone 414
• Chief - W. E. Holland
• Assistant Chief - E. B. Smith
• Second Assistant Chief - J. S. Campbell
• Engine Company No. 1, 110 W. Morgan - R. D. Upchurch and F. S. Solomon, Captains
• Truck Company No. 2, 412 S. Salisbury - G. W. Higgins, Captain
• Engine Company No. 3, 135 E. Hargett - W. L. Choplin, Captain
• Engine Company No. 4, 505 Jefferson - A. B. Lloyd, Captain
• Engine Company No. 5, 1914 Park Dr. - E. B. McGhee, Captain.

1929

Economy Store at 223 S. Wilmington Street burned. The 8:17 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 343. Three hose lines and 1,050 feet of hose were used on the two- story brick structure. (January 6, 1929)^rfd

Plane crashes at Poindexter Field. Pilot was killed at airstrip located outside city limits. Fire department responds. Incident was first fatal airplane crash in Raleigh. [AA] (January 11, 1929)^rfd

Warehouse and cotton gin in Apex burned. The buildings were destroyed by a 6:30 a.m. fire that brings the Raleigh Fire Department to western Wake County. Discovered in a warehouse, which was "formerly the property of Mr. Sorrell" and now "belonged to a man who lives in the Eastern part of the State," the flames spread to a gin owned by Beasley and Williams after the wind shifts and blows sparks onto the neighboring building. Engine 1 was dispatched at 6:45 p.m. Alas, the Raleigh firemen arrive after the buildings have burned down. Apex was located 14.83 miles from Raleigh. [MA] (January 24, 1929)^{rfd, no25jan29}

Mansion Park Hotel at 100 N. Blount Street burned. The 2:00 a.m. alarm was received by telephone. Six hose lines and 3,400 feet of hose were used at the four-story, brick building. [MF] (June 13, 1929)^rfd

Three homes in 200 block of Forest Road burned. The 2:30 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 524. Three hose lines and 1,200 feet of hose were used at the two-story, frame residences at 221, 223, and 225 Forest Road. [UF] (July 27, 1929)^rfd

Livery stable in Wendell destroyed by fire. Blaze begins shortly before midnight at stable of J. P. Richard. Six men were injured, including four firefighters. They were injured by a falling brick wall during the height of the fire. One fire truck from Wendell responds and firefighters have situation in hand when Raleigh engine arrives. No livestock was in the building at the time. Damage was estimated at $7,000. Wendell was located 17.54 miles from Raleigh. [MA] (September 9, 1929)^{no10sep29, rfd}

Service station explodes and burns in Garner. "Gas Blast at Garner" reads the newspaper headline after an explosion and fire destroy a service station early Saturday morning. Lynn Broughton, employed at the filling station, was killed and another employee, W.M. Wall, was injured. Another person, Arch Wood, was injured by the 3:45 a.m. blast, after stopping at the station while en route to Raleigh. He was preparing to leave when he was hurled "to the top of the station" where he cuts his head. Despite his injury, he pushes his automobile "to safety from beneath the shed of the burning building." The Raleigh Fire Department was called "by telephone" shortly before 4:00 a.m. Despite making a "quick run," the building was completely destroyed by the time they arrived. "Chemicals" were " thrown" on the smoldering debris and "hastened the recovery" of Broughton's body. An examination by Henry Allen, manager of the station, and Brooky Poole, owner of the building, lead to the conclusion that the explosion followed the fire, and that an oil barrel rather than the gas tank had exploded. The scene also draws spectators. By that evening, "thousands of Raleigh people" have visited the "charred mass of wreckage." Garner was located 6.2 miles from Raleigh. Reference: The Raleigh Times, September 29, 1928. [MA] (September 29, 1928)^rfd

Residence at 303 Bragg Street burned. The 8:55 p.m. alarm was transmitted from box 211. Three hose lines and 3,000 feet of hose were used on the one-story, frame building. (October 18, 1929)^rfd

Fire department responded as mutual aid to Angier, located 21.04 miles from Raleigh. [MA] (December 12, 1929)^rfd

Fire department assisted with recapture of two black bears escaped from Pullen Park zoo. ^pph

Hill's city directory dated 1929 summarized department as:

• Headquarters - 110-112 W. Morgan - tel 414
• Chief - W. E. Holland
• Assistant Chief - E. B. Smith
• Second Assistant Chief - R. D. Upchurch
• Engine Company No. 1, 110 W. Morgan - E. D. King and F. S. Solomon, Captains
• Engine Company No. 2, 412 S. Salisbury - G. W. Higgins, Captain
• Engine Company No. 3, 135 E. Hargett - W. L. Choplin, Captain
• Engine Company No. 4, 505 Jefferson - A. B. Lloyd, Captain
• Engine Company No. 5, 1914 Park Dr. - E. G. McGhee, Captain.

Abbreviations

Sources