05/04/2012

E04 Catches Fire at the Denver Firefighters Museum

As many of you have read, our beloved 1953 Seagrave burst into flames on the street in front of the Museum this morning.  The rig was out earlier for a funeral and was in the process of being prepped to return to its resting position inside the Museum when the rig backfired and became engulfed in flames.  The fire continued for about 7-10 minutes while our staff hurriedly emptied 3 full fire extinguishers on the flames.  However, it was the bursting of the radiator that ultimately suffocated the flames and sent it into a smokey haze. 

The Denver Firefighters Museum has owned E04 since 1999 and is the first rig in the United States to be designated as a hearse for the services of families of active, retired, and in-the-line-of-duty families.  While it is privately owned, the engine will take a lot of time and money to restore it to its previous pristine condition for use for these families and the Museum.  If you'd like to donate to restore this historic piece of the Denver Fire Department, please scroll to the bottom of our webpage and click  "DONATE TODAY".  Any amount that you can spare would be extremely appreciated! 

Thank you for all of your support and kindness in this time of need!

Leah O'Grady

Visitor Services Coordinator