When the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Brigade was started in 1884, it published a set of 17 rules which, it was stated, would help to enforce proper discipline.

In the first opening rules, it set forth that the brigade shall consist of twenty-five efficient members, the officers to include one captain, three lieutenants, hon. Secretary and treasurer, to be appointed annually.

The first captain was Frederick Style better know for his association with Style and Gerrish in the Blue Boar Row.

A former proprietor of the Red Lion Hotel, Edward Wilkes Gawthorpe, was the first lieutenant appointed.

The rules also highlighted that fire drill would take place on the first Friday in every month, but the captain had the power to call an extra drill on giving three days notice.

A special rule was also added – that each member had to pay his own expenses and find his own uniform!

After just two weeks the brigade had its full complement of members and several people had put their names down for admission in case of a vacancy.

Shortly after becoming established, the Volunteer Fire Brigade received £70 towards the £100 required for a hose, etc – they also obtained head-quarters in Brown Street, near Mr Herring’s livery stables.

The hose was soon ordered and the members then set their sights on an engine.

The first machine the brigade possessed was an old manual, and in 1891, a steam fire engine was purchased by public subscription at a cost of £585. 11s.

In 1913, Salisbury’s first motor fire engine was purchased and named Fawcett in memory of former brigade captain Sydney Fawcett.

This was equipped with 150 feet of hose and a 50 foot wheeled escape ladder.

In 1907 a new fire station was opened in Salt Lane and continued until 1964 when a new fire station was opened in Ashley Road.