Newport Fire Department History

Engine 2 at the former Young St. station

• 1639 The City of Newport was incorporated.
• 1641 The first recorded house fire took place on Farewell Street.
• 1733 A citizen's bucket brigade was formed.
• 1734 The first official fire company was established on Swinburne Wharf (Station One) with a hand engine bought from England.
• 1755 Engine Company 2 was formed at Washington Street.
• 1770 Station One re-opened on the north side of Mill Street at Mason Place.
• 1790 Engine Company 2 moved to Elm Street. This station was eventually moved again to Bridge Street.
• 1792 Fire Protection 5 was established with one engine.
• 1821 A second engine was purchased for Protection 5 Company and a shed was constructed for them on Spring Street. The shed was later moved to the lot at the Atlantic House.
• 1839 Hercules 7 Fire Company was formed with a Smith engine on Franklin Street. This engine was later replaced by a Jeffers steamer and a Jones hose wagon.
• 1840 The Aquidneck Hose Company was formed on Frank Street.
• 1842 The Phoenix Hook & Ladder Company was formed and kept at City Hall. Shortly thereafter, Phoenix Company and Aquidneck Company were relocated to Engine 3 Fire House on Thames Street at the foot of Marlborough
• 1845 The Protection 5 Company shed was moved to Touro Street at Mary Street.
• 1849 The Aquidneck Hose Company wagon was destroyed in an accident. A replacement came from Pioneer 3, which was disbanded years earlier.
• 1854 The Hydraulin was formed when a stationary engine was placed on a reservoir on Bull Street. The Hydraulin became known as the "Sit Stills".
• 1857 A new engine house was built on Levin Street for Engine 8 (old Engine 3) and a new hose cart.
• 1863 Hope 4 Company was formed on Spring Street at Sherman Street for a new engine and hose cart.
• 1866 A new hose tower was added to the Police Station located at Market Square.
• 1867 A new brick station was built for Protection 5 at Touro and Mary.
• 1869 The Engine 8 Company moved to Prospect Hill Street.
• 1872 The firehouse on Franklin Street burned and the company was disbanded. Additionally, Engine 3 Firehouse moved from Thames to West Marlborough Street and a new annex was added to house Hope 4 Company from Spring and Sherman. Later, Hope 4 relocated to Oak Street and then again to Equality Park Place.
• 1873 The Young Street station was opened.
• 1895 The Protection 5 Company fire station was renovated and became known as "Station Five" (It is the oldest station currently in use in Newport).
• 1931 A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new fire station to be built on West Marlborough Street. This station was completed in 1931 and operates today as Station One, Fire Headquarters (often referred to as "The Rock").
• 1986 The Young Street station was closed and the apparatus was relocated to the new Station Two located at 100 Old Fort Road.