Men of Fire

A History of the Launceston Fire Brigade

by Roger V. McNeice

State Fire Commission of Tasmania, 1987, ISBN 072461575, black and white photographs, paperback

Very Good Condition with a little edge and shelf wear, a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, no inscriptions, uncreased spine, writing in blue ink on bottom fore edge (See photographs)

“The story of the development of Launceston’s Fire Brigade is one of dedication, service, turmoil, personal conflict and controversy.  The service grew from humble beginnings from the necessity of the early residents of the City to protect themselves from a common enemy – fire.  It took 70 years from the foundation of the settlement on the Tamar River until the Fire Brigades Act 1883 was proclaimed giving the City a properly organised Fire Brigade, with a legally constituted Board to administer it.  Fire Brigades formed in the preceding years from 1832 to 1883 were made up of spirited citizens anxious to perform what they saw as a public duty.  The dedication of those firemen to the well being of Launceston can never be denied.
The Launceston Fire Brigade developed somewhat differently than other brigades as the following pages will reveal and while the Launceston Brigade has had its share of controversy and conflict one should not lose sight of its contribution to the welfare of the people of Launceston.”