Boston Engine 43/:adder 20

[grumpy grizzly]

On this date in 1981 Engine 43 and Ladder 20, one of Boston's busiest firehouses were placed OOS. Little did people know this would be the beginning of a period of time when 15+ companies would be placed OOS because of Proposition 2 1/2 and a vindictive mayor who had presedential ambitions.

 

[nfd2004]

On this date in 1981 Engine 43 and Ladder 20, one of Boston's busiest firehouses were placed OOS. Little did people know this would be the beginning of a period of time when 15+ companies would be placed OOS because of Proposition 2 1/2 and a vindictive mayor who had presedential ambitions.

I remember Proposition 2 1/2 taking place.
That firehouse with Engine 43 and Ladder 20 was the place many buffs, aka "Sparks" in Boston, would hang out at a local Howard Johnsons directly behind 43/20.

It certainly was a busy spot.

Proposition 2 1/2 followed the closing of many FDNY companies only a few years later.

This was also a time of very active fire activity when these closings occurred

 

[grumpy grizzly]

I remember Proposition 2 1/2 taking place.
That firehouse with Engine 43 and Ladder 20 was the place many buffs, aka "Sparks" in Boston, would hang out at a local Howard Johnsons directly behind 43/20.

It certainly was a busy spot.

Proposition 2 1/2 followed the closing of many FDNY companies only a few years later.

This was also a time of very active fire activity when these closings occurred

HoJO's AKA "Whip City"!

 

[entropychaser]

In 1950 the population of Boston was 801,444. By 1980, it had fallen to 562,994: an almost 30% drop. It has rebounded to about 650,000. Also, in 1980, Boston had the largest per capita spending for the fire department of any large city. Finally, property values and tax income were in the tank then. That arson gang then had no trouble finding vacant buildings to torch.

In 1987 the busiest companies in the Baltimore City Fire Department:

Engine 8- 2823 runs
Engine 25- 2759 runs
Engine 24- 2741 runs

Truck 13- 1787 runs
Truck 15- 1776 runs
Truck 10- 1741 runs

Today only Engine 8 and Truck 10 are in service