California Fireman's Muster Association






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HORSE AND HAND DRAWN PUMPERS

The hand pumping event has been contested between departments for the past 200 years. Who had the most powerful "engine" or "masheen?" Who could pump water the farthest? The pumping engines, all built prior to 1890, are divided into groups according to the size of the cylinder. Usually volunteers from the audience are asked to help in this event since each machine requires up to 30 crewmen to provide the power to throw the water. In earlier times, the winner was judged by the farthest distance the water was thrown. Now the teams must knock down a target in the fastest time possible. Classes of Horse and Hand Drawn Pumpers Class I - Cylinders greater than 7" in diameter Class II - Cylinders 4" to 7" in diameter Division A - Apparatus with 2 1/2" discharge Division B - Apparatus with 1 1/2" discharge Class III - Cylinders under 4" in diameter Division A - Apparatus with 2 1/2" discharge Division B - Apparatus with 1 1/2" or less discharge