Horse-drawn fire engine

Horse-drawn fire engine, North Eastern Railway, built by Merryweather, London, ex Gateshead Works. Probably the 'Montreal' model, c.1880.

Fires were not uncommon on the early railways. Early locomotives dumped hot ash from the firebox directly on to the tracks, which could set fire to nearby foliage. Additionally, sparks were often released from the chimneys of steam locomotives, and these could be carried over to nearby fields. Plants were removed from beside railway lines to reduce the problem, however, fires still broke out. Railway companies had their own fire brigades to fight fires when they broke out.