Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Denise Boose
Taken: June 14, 2011
Caption: The Fire Hose Cart
Additional Description: The fire hose cart is believed to have been used in Tombstone between 1880 and 1900. Tombstone had three hose companies, known as Protection Hose Companies, or P.H. Cos., I, II, and III. When the fire bell rang, the crew of ten men and their captain grabbed the tow rope or donned a canvas harness and sped to the fire as fast as they could run. Once there, the hose was connected to the nearest hydrant and unreeled. With the nozzle attached, the men were ready to fight the fire. Fire hose carts carried several lengths of hose, a hydrant key, and probably a gaff hook.

On certain holidays, fire hose carts were used in a sporting manner when the crews competed against one another for the title of "Fastest P.H. Co." This competition is still held annually, with firemen coming from all over Arizona to race like their predecessors did.
Submitted: March 11, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California.
Database Locator Identification Number: p195977
File Size: 0.355 Megabytes

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