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Engine 6

2016 Pierce Enforcer, 1250 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, Husky-12 Foam System with 200 gallon foam tank

- Cambridge Fire photo

History of Engine Company No. 6

Engine Company #6 was established in 1852 as Pioneer Engine Company #6 and was located in a building on Pioneer Street in Ward 2, Kendall Square. The company ran with a Hunneman hand engine. The firehouse was moved and rebuilt at the corner of Main and Dock Streets. On 2 March 1864, probably due to manpower and equipment shortages caused by the War Between the States, Pioneer Engine Company #6 was disbanded.

On 11 May 1891, Engine 6 was reorganized at 176 River Street, Cambridgeport in a new station. (Over 100 years later, this station is still the home of Engine 6.) The apparatus in 1891 included a new, 900 gpm Manchester Locomotive Works steamer and an Abbot and Downing hose wagon. The company went in service with 12 men assigned.

In December 0f 1919, Engine 6 became motorized and single-unit with a new, 750 gpm American LaFrance triple combination pump. In 1926, the company again became two-piece as a 1926, American LaFrance type 40 hose wagon was placed in service.

In 1926, the station was modernized and Chemical Company #1 moved into these quarters. Chemical 1 had relocated from their previous quarters at 5 Western Avenue. Chemical 1 was disbanded in 1928. In 1928, Engine 1 moved into the River Street fire house. Engine 1 ran out of these quarters until 1934 when they moved into the 491 Broadway fire house.

A new, triple combination, Pirsch 750 gpm pump was placed in service in June of 1944. In 1949, a GMC/Robinson, high-pressure hose wagon was placed in service by the company. On 14 June 1956, a 1948, Pirsch 1000 gpm pump (former Engine 2 and 9) was placed in service. In December of 1962, a new Pirsch 1000 gpm pump was placed in service. In July of 1966, a new International/Farrar hose wagon was placed in service..

From 25 December 1979 until 25 February 1981, Engine 6 ran with a spare pump. On 25 Feb 1981, the rebuilt Pirsch pump was placed back in service. On 28 March of the same year, a new International/Maxim hose wagon was placed in service.

On 7 August 1989, Engine 6 placed a new 1989 Pierce Lance 1250 gpm pump in service. The company also became single unit on this date. From 4 November 1987 until 30 September 1988, Engine 6 was temporarily quartered at headquarters while the house was undergoing major renovations. On 30 September 1988, Engine 6 moved back into the 176 River Street remodeled quarters.

Engine 6's current pump, the 1250 gpm, Pierce Enforcer was placed in service on 1 February, 2017. This pump is equipped with a 500 gallon water tank and a 200 gallon foam solution tank.

On March 16, 2021, Engine 6 relocated to Headquarters while the Engine 6 fire house was totally rebuilt. Following the major construction project, Engine 6 returned to their own quarters on January 2, 2024. Twenty-first century improvements include upgraded utilities, lighting, & electical system with whole-house emergency generator, geothermal HVAC system, full sprinkler system, fire & CO alarms, fire-rated slide pole, decon room, PPE extractor & dryer, fitness room, new stainless steel kitchen appliances, individual restrooms, and much more.

For questions about Engine Company #6, contact the captain of Engine 6 Here:.

Historical information provided by Ed Morrissey

Engine # 6 Statistics

Engine Company No. 6 - group 4 - 10 February 2017

Engine Company No. 6 - group 1 - January 4, 2024