Excelsior Hose Company logo © 1999 Brampton Fire and Emergency Services Graphic rendered by Corey Ellis, Corey Ellis Design

This is the logo as it appeared on the Parade Uniforms of the mid 1800's

The beginning of Brampton's fire history has no specific starting date. First Nations and pioneers in this area were challenged many times by fire. Early settlers had very little water, no fire-fighting equipment, and often there were no neighbours to organize a bucket brigade. A fire out of control meant almost certain destruction of property. Care and prevention was the best protection from fire, even as it is today.

The first recorded fire in this area occurred in 1822 before Brampton was even a tiny village. In December, 1822, the McVean log home burned to the ground and only a few precious items were saved.

Brampton Fire Pumper

If hand pumpers, or engines as they were called, can be thought of as heralding the advent of modern-age firefighting, then the purchase of a pumper for the village in 1853 was the humble beginning to Brampton's fire protection equipment. With the invention of the hand pumper the process of fighting fires was greatly expedited, especially since one pump could do the work of 40 men using buckets.

Early Arsonist

In March of 1868 arson was the cause of fire, the culprits, John Kickly and Ann Donaldson, were quickly apprehended and thrown into the new County Jail which had just been completed in Brampton. For his criminal act Kickly was faced with the possibility of a ten-year prison term. In fact, back in those early golden years of Brampton's history, arson was a continual and serious problem for authorities. Out of sheer anger and frustration many newspaper editorials of the time demanded the death penalty for those found guilty of this crime.

First Recorded Fire Death

Brampton's first recorded fire death occurred in September, 1868 to a blind, elderly invalid named Sarah Coon. While her husband was out gathering wood she decided to smoke some tobacco and somehow set the shanty and herself on fire.

Firemen Save the Village

Brampton's largest 19th century property fire occurred in chilling cold winter weather of 1869. A powerful and uncontrollable fire started in Mr. Hannah's hotel. It killed three horses and entirely devoured a large building, the Graham Hall. But the fire's rage did not stop there. Within minutes it had spread to David Crozier's home and tailor shop. Because of their tenacity and public commitment Brampton Firefighters managed to contain the fire by hosing down adjacent home, and by creating a firebreak between the flames and other village stores. The total damage of the great fire was $15,000, an astronomical cost in those times.

Brampton's First Fire Chief

Ironically enough, shortly after the Golding bakery fire, James Golding, the owner and a former mayor, was appointed the new fire Chief in November 1882. His responsibilities including reporting to council the names and occupations of his firemen, maintaining equipment, being in charge of fires, and advising council on the measures necessary to keep the brigade efficient. Finally someone was charged with the responsibility for the fire safety of the Brampton citizens. A photo of Chief James Golding is located at the top of this page.

Fire Alarm System 1914

An alarm system for the town was recommended by the insurance companies in 1899, but it was not until 1912 when all the firemen threatened to resign if the fire alarm system was not installed, that improvements were made. The following year the ratepayers, voting at the municipal elections approved by a majority of 124 votes the establishment of the alarm system. This system, which cost $7,000, was installed in the fall of 1914 and it reduced the insurance rates considerably.

Modern History

The recent history of our department probably had its most significant moment on January 1, 1974. This was the year that provincial legislation was enacted to form the City of Brampton, and the advent of regional government in Ontario. This resulted in the merging of the former Town of Brampton with large areas of Chinguacousy Township and Toronto Gore Township, and the subsequent amalgamation of the Brampton and Chinguacousy Fire Departments.

All of the fire stations and equipment within the new boundaries became the property of the new city, and Matthew (Matt) Gowland of Brampton was appointed Chief of the amalgamated department. The Deputy's job was awarded to Chinguacousy Chief Jim Brunne. The new department was manned by 105 full-time firefighters and 45 volunteers ready to protect the population of 100,000 residents.

The two departments were strange bedfellows in the early years. Chinguacousy was known for it's military style and regimented training. The spotless white dress hats and mandatory marching drills were evidence of the Naval heritage of it's senior officers.

Brampton, on the other hand, was a more rowdy bunch of lacrosse and hockey players who did not take kindly to the stricter code of conduct which the new department would impose. They did not wear white hats!!

Eventually, the Brampton guys got smarter and the Chinguacousy guys got tougher, and the mix of the two diverse groups brought out the best in each other. This foundation plays an important role in the success of the department, to this day.

Click here to view a brief summary of significant dates in the history of our department, and please come back often to view additions to this page.

Brampton's firefighting history is rich in tradition and ceremony. We couldn't detail all of the history of the department but tried to give a basic overview of its beginnings and where it has evolved to today, some interesting facts and photos. For a complete history of the department we recommend reading "Brampton Firefighters - 140 Years of Dedicated Service 1853-1993", written by Captain Garry Wilton and Russ Cooper. The book chronicles the development of our department from the early days to the present time. We will try and offer as much content from this book as possible, and may try and offer it one chapter at a time in PDF format. Meanwhile, if any buffs out there would like more photos, please use our feedback form, and we will post more.

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