Corbett Fire “Wet Down”

On Oct. 13, 2018 had a “wet down” ceremony in order to officially put a new fire engine into service for the Springdale Station.

A wet down is an event in which members of the community (children at Corbett) welcome a new fire engine by washing the engine and then pushing it into the station.

This ritual dates back to the 1800s when horse drawn pumpers were used to extinguish fires. After a fire, the firefighters tired and dirty with a dirty pumper, would return to the station. The community that lived around the station would “wet down” the horses, wash the pumper, and push the pumper back into the station. On Saturday the children wash the engine and then, with the help of a driver, push the engine into the station. Air horns were sounded and the new engine is now “officially” in service and located at the Springdale Station. Thanks to all of the kids who helped out.