Engine 6

 

2016 Pierce Enforcer, 1250 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Husky-12 Foam System with 200 gallon foam tank

- Cambridge Fire photo

History of Engine Company No. 6

Engine Company #6 was established in 1852 as Pioneer Engine Company #6 and was located in a building on Pioneer Street in Ward 2, Kendall Square. The company ran with a Hunneman hand engine. The firehouse was moved and rebuilt at the corner of Main and Dock Streets. On 2 March 1864, probably due to manpower and equipment shortages caused by the War Between the States, Pioneer Engine Company #6 was disbanded.

On 11 May 1891, Engine 6 was reorganized at 176 River Street, Cambridgeport in a new station. (Over 100 years later, this station is still the home of Engine 6.) The apparatus in 1891 included a new, 900 gpm Manchester Locomotive Works steamer and an Abbot and Downing hose wagon. The company went in service with 12 men assigned.

In December 0f 1919, Engine 6 became motorized and single-unit with a new, 750 gpm American LaFrance triple combination pump. In 1926, the company again became two-piece as a 1926, American LaFrance type 40 hose wagon was placed in service.

In 1926, the station was modernized and Chemical Company #1 moved into these quarters. Chemical 1 had relocated from their previous quarters at 5 Western Avenue. Chemical 1 was disbanded in 1928. In 1928, Engine 1 moved into the River Street fire house. Engine 1 ran out of these quarters until 1934 when they moved into the 491 Broadway fire house.

A new, triple combination, Pirsch 750 gpm pump was placed in service in June of 1944. In 1949, a GMC/Robinson, high-pressure hose wagon was placed in service by the company. On 14 June 1956, a 1948, Pirsch 1000 gpm pump (former Engine 2 and 9) was placed in service. In December of 1962, a new Pirsch 1000 gpm pump was placed in service. In July of 1966, a new International/Farrar hose wagon was placed in service..

From 25 December 1979 until 25 February 1981, Engine 6 ran with a spare pump. On 25 Feb 1981, the rebuilt Pirsch pump was placed back in service. On 28 March of the same year, a new International/Maxim hose wagon was placed in service.

On 7 August 1989, Engine 6 placed a new 1989 Pierce Lance 1250 gpm pump in service. The company also became single unit on this date. From 4 November 1987 until 30 September 1988, Engine 6 was temporarily quartered at headquarters while the house was undergoing major renovations. On 30 September 1988, Engine 6 moved back into the 176 River Street remodeled quarters.

Engine 6's current pump, the 1250 gpm, Pierce Enforcer was placed in service on 1 February, 2017. This pump is equipped with a 500 gallon water tank and a 200 gallon foam solution tank.

On March 16, 2021, Engine 6 relocated to Headquarters while the Engine 6 fire house was totally rebuilt. Following the major construction project, Engine 6 returned to their own quarters on January 2, 2024. Twenty-first century improvements include upgraded utilities, lighting, & electical system with whole-house emergency generator, geothermal HVAC system, full sprinkler system, fire & CO alarms, fire-rated slide pole, decon room, PPE extractor & dryer, fitness room, new stainless steel kitchen appliances, individual restrooms, and much more.

For questions about Engine Company #6, contact the captain of Engine 6 Here:.

Historical information provided by Ed Morrissey

Engine # 6 Statistics

Calendar Year Responses

Building Fires

2023 1430 29
2022 1485 28
2021 1339 34
2020 1070 39
2019  1417 37
2018 1364 38
2017 1410 27
2016 1460 27
2015 1401 39
2014 1333 41
2013 1225 49
Fiscal Year Responses Building Fires
2012/2013 1250 39
2011/2012 1045 30
2010/2011 1326 37
2009/2010 1345 66
2008/2009 1383

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Engine 6 group 4 - 10 Feb 2017
Engine Company No. 6 - group 4 - 10 February 2017

Engine 6 group 1 - Jan 4 2024
Engine Company No. 6 - group 1 - January 4, 2024