In its first 50 years, Albury experienced significant building losses due to fire, including fires that destroyed the Imperial Hotel and the Bank of NSW (Townsend Street) in 1879 and the AMP Building and Albury Banner office (Dean Street) in 1885.
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In February 1863 the first Albury Volunteer Fire Brigade formed.
H A Brooks was the brigade’s first captain.
They purchased a fire engine but it was not used until May 1865, and that was to pump water from a cellar.
It was reported that the engine proved “to be adapted for no better purpose than watering a garden.”
This first brigade folded and a new brigade formed in 1875.
The new brigade’s captain was T E Waller.
In March they advertised in the Melbourne Argus for a “second hand fire engine in thorough working condition.”
In June the new engine was tested, throwing a stream of water over the Bank of NSW.
For want of funds, in 1879 this second brigade also disbanded and all their equipment sold.
Finally in February 1885 a meeting proposed the formation of an Albury brigade, with Walter Billson the first captain.
Comment was made that: “for the first time the brigade has been placed on a solid footing.”
In February 1887 the fire brigade moved to a new station in Dean Street, located next to the Mechanics Institute.
By the early twentieth century, this building was proving inadequate.
In 1910, chief officer Webb described it as “a disgrace.”
A decision was made to move to a site in Kiewa Street, several blocks north of Dean Street.
Not all were happy, with opponents citing “four fires in the main business block in the last few months” as reason not to stray too far from Dean Street.
Not long after, firemen were unable to contain a huge fire which destroyed Mates Building in Dean Street.
The new Kiewa Street station opened in August 1916.
James Grinton was the first resident fireman, living in an adjoining residence. Mr Grinton took over from Tom Ryan, who retired after over 20 years of service as the fire captain.
The Albury and District Historical Society meet on the second Wednesday of the month at the Commercial Club in Dean Street.
New members are welcome.
For more information on the society’s work and research or to explore the the history of the district or view some historic photographs from the region visit the society’s website alburyhistory.org.au.
