1894 Chemical and Ladder Combination
• Manufactured by Babcock Manufacturing Co.
The chemical engines were essentially 30 gallon soda-acid extinguishers on wheels. 2 1/2 pounds of bicarbonate of soda was dissolved into 30 gallons of water. Approximately a quart of hydrochloric acid was suspended above the mix. When you got to the fire, you turned the tank upside down, the acid mixed with the bicarbonate of soda mix and this created carbon dioxide gas which pushed the soda-acid mix through the hose and nozzle to extinguish the fire.