Engine 4
2011 Pierce Saber Pump
Photo by jjg
History of Engine # 4
In 1846, Hand Engine 4, named "Hydrant 4," was established and was located in a wood building at Western Avenue and River Street. In 1852, the company, now equipped with a Hunneman engine, moved into a brick building at the same location. Due to the steam department and due to lack of manpower in 1866, the company was confined to police district station 2. On 7 March 1871 Hand Engine Company Number 4 was disbanded. It was the last hand engine company in the department.
Also on 7 March 1871, "Daniel Webster Engine Company #5" was renumbered to Engine 4. The company was located on Russell Street, North Cambridge in a building built and occupied on 28 May 1869. Engine 4 was equipped with an 1869 Hunneman Steamer and a 2 wheel hose wagon with 900' of hose. In January of 1896, Engine 4 received a new Amoskeag 550 gpm steamer. On 20 November of 1896, the company moved to new quarters at 2029 Massachusetts Av., the corner of Blake Street. A Somerville tapper was placed in service in this house and Engine 4 was also assigned to respond to Somerville line boxes.
On 14 December 1901, a new Abbot and Downing hose wagon was placed in service with 800' of hose. In July of 1917, Engine 4 became motorized when a new American LaFrance 750 gpm, triple combination pump was placed in service. Engine 4 became a single unit company. In 1922, another new American LaFrance 750 gpm triple combination pump was placed in service. The 1917 pump became a spare. On 1 September 1931, a new Mack hose wagon was placed in service, making Engine 4 a two piece company again.
In June of 1948 a new Pirsch 1000 gpm pump was placed in service. In July of 1948, a new GMC/Robinson hose wagon was placed in service. In July of 1967, a new International/Farrar wagon was placed in service. In January, 1972, a new Maxim 1250 gpm pump was placed in service. On 1 April 1984, a 1982 (former Engine 2) International/Maxim wagon was placed in service. On 12 May 1988, the 1986 (former Engine 2) International/Saulsbury wagon was placed in service. On 27 April 1995, a 1995 Pierce Saber 1250 gpm pump was placed in service. The wagon was placed out of service on 27 May 2000. Engine 4 became a single unit company at that time. Engine 4’s current pump is a 2011 Pierce Saber, 1250 gallons per minute with a 500 gallon water tank. This pump, formerly Engine 2’s, was assigned to Engine 4 in 2013.
For questions about Engine Company #4, contact the captain of Engine 4 Here:
Historical information provided by Ed Morrissey
Engine # 4 Statistics
Calendar Year |
Responses |
Building Fires |
2023 |
1998 |
12 |
2022 |
1841 |
18 |
2021 |
1487 |
16 |
2020 |
1554 |
18 |
2019 |
1733 |
19 |
2018 |
1796 |
17 |
2017 |
1614 |
15 |
2016 |
1511 |
17 |
2015 |
1543 |
21 |
2014 |
1469 |
23 |
2013 |
1385 |
28 |
Fiscal Year |
Responses |
Building Fires |
2012/2013 |
1411 |
21 |
2011/2012 |
1121 |
14 |
2010/2011 |
1558 |
21 |
2009/2010 |
1529 |
31 |
2008/2009 |
1543 |
28 |