Built in 1896, Fire Station No. 3 is located in a residential neighborhood on the east side of Burlington, close to the University of Vermont campus. It is typical of the small firehouses built at the turn of the century. It initially housed a steam engine, a horse wagon, and two "sanitary" horse stalls. The building also served as the neighborhood polling station.

The 50 feet high tower was used for drying out the canvas fire hoses (this was also the norm in firehouses before the 1940's when the electric hose dryer was introduced).

Fire Station No. 3 is still used, and houses a single engine company. I live a block away, and pass the building almost every day while walking my dog -- it's a good, functional, and well-designed neighbor.

[some of the information was drawn from Historic Guide to Burlington Neighborhoods, by David J. Blow]

p.s. I've always appreciated the small warning sign posted on the far left front of the firehouse!