This photograph shows the members of Honiton Fire Brigade in January 1891 proudly showing off their new uniforms which they had just been issued to them.

Curator of Honiton Museum, Margaret Lewis writes for the Herald.

The new kit including a brass helmet for the captain, the tunics, helmets, boots and belts cost £36 12 shillings.

Two years before the council had decided that because there was no lifesaving apparatus in the borough a Fire Brigade would be established and a suitable fire escape and other appliances should be provided. Rules and regulations were printed, and a copy handed to each member of the council.

Later the Borough Surveyor was authorised to receive a fire engine and appliances from an agent of the West of England Insurance Company. The inscription, 'The Honiton Fire Engine’ was immediately painted on the engine. The tenancy of the engine house in Dowell Street cost £6 a year. The engine was renovated, and extra hoses were obtained. Mr Isaac of the Globe Inn was granted an extension to closing time for the opening dinner of the newly formed brigade.

The Honiton Fire Brigade members, under the supervision of their superintendent Mr Ward and captain Mr. J. Chard regularly practiced with the engine, hose reel, the fire escape and jumping sheet. The appliances were thoroughly tested, and the men were put through various drills.

One of the first fires that the new brigade had to deal with was in February 1891 at midnight in the Dolphin Hotel. Some of the upstairs rooms in one of the wings at the rear of the hotel and occupied by the proprietor Harry Banfield and his family were in flames and the fire was spreading rapidly.

The fire had started in the kitchen chimney and spread through the ceiling to the children’s day nursery. Considerable damage was done to the building, but it was covered by insurance. The families’ clothes and linen valued at £150 was covered by another insurance company. Furniture, bedding, and toys were totally destroyed. Thanks to a plentiful supply of water in the High Street the fire was extinguished within a couple of hours.

The Fire Brigade were highly praised and two young men named Couch and Cox were commended for their bravery and prompt action. They climbed a ladder and entered burning rooms to rescue property from the flames.