The historical records confirm that a fire occurred in Halifax in 1789, known as the Cochran Fire, named for its location—Mr. Cochran’s property—and it holds significance as one of the documented events during that year. The incident was directly referenced in a meeting of the Union Fire-Club, which was Canada’s first organized fire company.
On March 3, 1789, the Union Fire-Club met and noted in their records that the fire at Mr. Cochran’s, which had recently taken place, had exposed shortcomings in how firefighting was organized in Halifax at the time. Specifically, members complained that "the ladders and firehooks"—key tools for their fire suppression and salvage efforts—had been improperly distributed or not accessible during the emergency.
As a result of what transpired during the Cochran Fire, the Union Fire-Club passed a resolution to correct the issue. They voted that the ladders and firehooks should be moved and stored more securely and accessibly, so that future responses would be more effective. The club also decided that each member would now be responsible for taking home and storing their own assigned firefighting tools—specifically, two ladders and a firehook where applicable—to ensure quick deployment at any future fires.
The fire not only caused damage but prompted a reassessment of operational readiness. It stands as a turning point in Halifax’s early firefighting organization, particularly for the Union Fire-Club, highlighting the importance of equipment accessibility and readiness in the 18th-century fire service.
Royal Gazette newspaper of January 27th:
Last Friday morning, about two o'clock, a fire was discovered burning from that part of the valuable buildings belonging to Messrs. Cochrans, opposite the Government House, occupied Messrs. Hall, Lewis and Co. — An alarm was instantly given, and the bells ordered to be rung. — A great number of people were soon collected from all parts of the town — the soldiery were [?] ordered to attend — and the boats from the navy filled with seamen, hastened on shore with all possible dispatch; — yet notwithstanding every assistance that could be given, the flames raged with irresistible impetuosity. — The stores of Messrs. Hall, Lewis and Co. together with nearly the whole of their extensive assortment of merchandise were in a few moments reduced to ashes. Messrs. Williams were the next sufferers but, having rather more time, their friends were enabled to preserve a considerable part of their property. The whole range of buildings was finally consumed; and had it not been for the unremitted exertions of all ranks of people, it is impossible to say where this scene of destruction would have ended.
Many of the persons, who occupied houses and shops in the opposite square, were induced to throw their goods, furniture, &c. into the street, or put them into the care of any person with enough room and ready to receive them; by which means much property was destroyed or embezzled. It is impossible at present to determine, with any exactness, the damage sustained on this melancholy occasion; the amount, however, on the whole, must certainly have been very great.
Too much praise cannot be given to the General of the Navy and Army, many of whom attended during the whole time, and not only by their presence contributed to produce order and alacrity among the men, but actually in many instances placed themselves in the ranks who were engaged in handing water to the engines, and such other places where their assistance appeared necessary. The Gentlemen from the Dock Yard, and all other public departments in town, contributed their aid to avert the desolation, which threatened to have been infinitely more extensive.
On account of the late fire, the Halifax Assembly is put off till Thursday the 5th of February
(Google News Archive Search 1789).