One hundred and thirty-one years ago, The Katonah Fire Department (KFD) was born of necessity. A fire that started in Old Katonah’s “Old Hotel” November 19, 1874, very nearly resulted in the destruction of the entire town. However, courageous efforts by Katonah residents, coupled with copious amounts of water from the nearby Katonah Water Company reservoir, prevented the fire from engulfing all in its path. Despite heroic efforts, however, the fire, in addition to consuming the hotel, also destroyed Smith Drug Store, Beacon’s Oyster Saloon, a millinery store, and two houses belonging to Bernard Travis. Two days later, an important meeting was held in Hoyt Brother’s Furniture Store, chaired by the Honorable Judge W.H. Robertson. Two committees were appointed-one to hire a night watchman and to collect assessments of $1.50 to $10.000 paid weekly by property owners. The surplus from this fund would be used to purchase ladders and buckets. The second committee was to study the cost of fire engines, extinguishers, and other equipment.


In early December 1874, the Fire Apparatus Committee made their presentation, which included price lists of engines and extinguishers, specifications on some available second-hand engines, and a favorable report on a new engine-the “Little Giant” chemical engine. It was decided to test the chemical engine’s capabilities. On December 12, 1874, a gigantic pile of combustible material, as high as a two-story house and up to 20 feet in diameter, was lit on fire. The “Little Giant” performed admirably, but could not penetrate the middle of the pile. Carbonate of soda and dry acid helped, but could not continue because the chemicals ran out. Eventually, however, the fire was extinguished, and for the most part, the “Little Giant” received favorable reviews. Later in December, meetings were held to 1) “investigate the feasibility and cost of bringing water to the village in pipes from Wolf Swamp on the hill behind the town” and 2) adopt a resolution that requested that $600 be raised to purchase the “Little Giant” chemical engine and related equipment, and $1,200 for a water engine. Both proposals were to be presented to the citizens for signatures. At the end, only a water engine, the current Pride of Katonah, was purchased. The resolution was amended before year’s end by Judge Robertson, who drew up a legal form authorizing the expenditure of notmore than $1,000 to “purchase a water engine, hose, ladder, hook and chains, buckets, etc.” 

On January 9, 1875, KFD was officially organized, with three companies-Engine, Hook and Ladder, and Hose. Mr. H.C. Smith was elected Chief Engineer, and a committee was formed to write KFD’s constitution.

On January 22, 1875, the new engine arrived. On the suction rack was inscribed “Pride of Katonah.” (This engine is now proudly on display at the fire department’s main entrance.) Several tests were made and they all exceeded the engine’s guarantee. A reporter from the local newspaper, The Recorder, was on hand to observe the test and the men involved. Afterward, the newspaper reported, “ .. as practice makes perfect, we should expect to see the companies improve until the Katonah Fire Department ranks second to none.” The timeline that follows highlights key points in what has turned out to be a long and illustrious story of bravery and commitment to the residents of Katonah. Major fires are highlighted both for their anecdotal significance, and for the length of time KFD members were required to be at each scene-a time commitment all the more meaningful asKFD has always been a completely volunteer organization.