The Cumberland Fire Department

The early days of fire protection in Cumberland was served by citizens relying on a “bucket brigade” volunteer system, with Fire Wardens and area hose companies added to the mix. Around 1912, a 35-gallon chemical reversible tank, mounted on wheels and drawn by manpower, was purchased. This was used until 1917, when a Model T Ford truck was purchased for $1000.

The first Fire Chief elected in 1915 was Lester B. Bragg, a Cumberland resident and Portland firefighter. Funds were appropriated in 1921 for the first fire station to be built. It was a metal building near the Cumberland Congregational Church. In 1928, a group of eighteen firefighters formed an approved fire department. Half of the old Town Hall building was converted into a station to house the truck and any fire equipment. The first new fire truck was purchased, a 1936 Ford V-8, and needed a place to be housed. Town Hall was remodeled to hold the fire truck, a snowplow, and one school bus.

Three stations in town were: Central on Tuttle Road, West Cumberland on Blackstrap Road, and Chebeague Island. When Chebeague became its own town in 2007, that station ceased to be part of the Cumberland Fire Department. The drought and fires of 1947 inspired Wildwood Park residents to create their own fire department. (Click link at right to navigate pages)