TEAMS OF HORSES were trained in the early days to respond equally as quickly as the firemen in the event of a call. One early source relates that the teams, at the sound of the bell, went quickly to there places where harnesses were dropped on them and wagons quickly attached.

The Brainerd Fire Department was organized Feb. 13, 1872, in Askew billiard hall with 37 men paying one dollar each to belong. A. D. McNannay was appointed to maintain the well and buckets on Block 47; water came from three wells in town.

Hose Company Number One and Hook and Ladder Company Number Two were formed, and the Northern Pacific Railway Co. installed a fire hydrant between the Headquarters Hotel and the Depot.

In 1885, a two-story frame fire station was constructed at the north end of South Fifth Street, and until the early 1890's, equipment was hand-drawn and a dray hired for long hauls.

Teams of horses were trained in the 1890's, and served for 20 years. Early drivers were James Buley, Roy Hall a n d Jack Mutch.

PICTURED IN this photograph of about 1900 are the downtown fire department truck and horse team at Fifth and Front Streets.