The Star Fire Company (1834-1853)
The Star Fire Company was established on March 15, 1834, as one of Halifax’s salvage companies. Its primary function was protecting and recovering property at fire scenes, rather than actively extinguishing fires. The company operated for 19 years before dissolving in 1853.
Key Members
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John Naylor (President, 1834) – A druggist, elected as the first president.
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Thomas Sutton (Vice President, 1834) – Previously served with the Union Engine Company.
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H. Wright Jr. (Treasurer, 1834) – A baker of German ancestry, handled finances.
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C. H. Witham (Secretary, 1834) – Responsible for keeping meeting records.
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John Richardson (Treasurer, 1837+) – Later became a Fireward.
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Thomas Ring – A grocer, active in company operations.
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Herbert M. Creighton – Nephew of James Creighton of the Phoenix Fire Company.
Notable Fire Incidents
The Star Fire Company responded to several major fires, assisting with property protection, salvage operations, and recovery efforts.
1. Barrington Street Fire (January 22, 1835)
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Fire started at the home and laboratory of Mr. Taylor, a medicine producer.
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A chemical explosion led to the destruction of three houses, with severe damage to two others.
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Mr. Taylor was badly burned.
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The governor personally attended the scene, despite heavy rain.
2. Argyle Street Fire (May 2, 1840)
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Fire broke out at the home of A. M. Uniacke due to servant negligence.
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Swift fire company response prevented major damage.
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Acadian Recorder newspaper misreported the role of firemen vs. engine men.
3. Grand Parade Engine House Dispute (1841)
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The Star Fire Company and Phoenix Fire Company requested access to the Grand Parade Engine House’s upper-level meeting room.
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Fireward Stephen Binney opposed the request, claiming they were more social clubs than firefighting groups.
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The Star and Phoenix Fire Companies countered, arguing that other fire groups, such as the Engine Company, also held social meetings.
4. Possible Involvement in the Bridewell Fire (February 25, 1845)
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Fire at the Halifax Bridewell correctional facility.
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Likely caused by a female inmate setting fire to combustibles in a rat hole.
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Firefighters responded swiftly, preventing major destruction.
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While no direct mention of the Star Fire Company is recorded, salvage companies often assisted in such incidents.
Equipment & Apparatus
As a salvage company, the Star Fire Company did not operate large fire engines but had specialized tools for property protection.
• Locally Manufactured Fire Engine (1834)
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In 1833, the Firewards determined that Halifax needed a new fire engine.
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A committee was formed to evaluate British and American fire engines.
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On January 3, 1834, the Firewards instead considered building an engine in Halifax.
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They concluded that if the price difference was between £10 and £15, a local build would be justified.
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The local engineering firm of Guthrie & Turner was contracted to build the engine.
• Salvage Equipment-
Portable ladders & firehooks – Allowed access to burning structures for salvage and minor suppression.
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Debris removal tools – Likely included axes and saws.
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Leather buckets & salvage bags – Used to transport valuables away from fire scenes.
• Personal Gear-
Members were likely responsible for bringing their own buckets and salvage tools, a common practice in early fire companies.
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Decline and Dissolution (1853)
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By the 1840s, Halifax’s fire service was evolving.
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Union Engine Company and other groups took on more fire suppression duties, reducing the need for salvage companies like Star Fire Company.
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In 1853, the company ceased operations.
Summary
The Star Fire Company played an important supporting role in Halifax’s firefighting history. While not a frontline engine company, it protected property, assisted firefighters, and engaged in community disputes over fire service access. The company’s locally manufactured fire engine and role in major fire incidents make it an important part of Halifax’s firefighting past.