08/30/2026
🚒 WHAT IS “FIRE BELLE,” AND WHY DOES RESTORING IT MATTER?
Fire Belle is the very first fire engine the City of Spring Hill (then called a town) ever purchased. The 1957 Ford F-700 Seagrave fire engine was purchased by the town in January 1958. At that time, the town could not afford to purchase a fire engine, so ten Spring Hill businessmen made a pledge to purchase Fire Belle by co-signing the note for the fire engine. For decades, the volunteer firemen and Fire Belle responded to fires that threatened the town. As the Town of Spring Hill grew, more modern fire trucks were purchased. Fire Belle eventually was retired and was stored in an open shed behind the original Fire Station 2.
In 2014, a group of concerned citizens, donors, and local business owners invested thousands of dollars into a restoration project. Project Fire Belle was formed under the direction of Spring Hill resident Blair (Scoville) Morgan and with many contributions of the citizens of Spring Hill, Fire Belle was restored to its original glory. This effort focused on exterior body work, paint, emergency lights, era related equipment, and overall aesthetic improvements were made to Fire Belle. This successful project made Fire Belle shine and became a beacon of historical significance for the city and fire department.
Fire Belle unfortunately needs urgent mechanical repair and upgrades to allow its safe operation. A new engine, transmission, and brakes are needed so Fire Belle can resume attending community events, parades, and to be on display at various venues throughout the year.
Why does restoring Fire Belle matter? The below photo is one of the best examples of why. Seen in the photo is former Spring Hill firefighter Billy Kinnard, who has passed on since the photo was taken in 2023. Billy was a lifetime Spring Hillian with the fire department at heart. While on a field trip to the Spring Hill Water Treatment Plant, Billy got to see Fire Belle for the first time in years. Billy remembered using Fire Belle as a firefighter many years ago and enjoyed telling everyone his stories. Fire Belle is a piece of Spring Hill history that if we don’t repair, it will be forgotten and stories like the ones Billy remembered so fondly, will be lost with it. We (the Spring Hill Historical & Genealogical Society) are putting together a fundraiser softball game (City Vs. Citizens Softball Game(s) - Fire Belle Fundraiser) alongside the Spring Hill Fire Department to raise enough money to restore the fire engine! We are currently looking for sponsors for the event, and you do not have to own a business to be a sponsor. If you would like to sponsor the fundraiser, our sponsorship packages are posted in the comments below. If you would like to donate, any amount (big or small) will help Fire Belle greatly! We are currently putting together a Venmo account, and as soon as we get that all set up, we will post a link onto this page asking for donations. (DONATIONS ALSO ACCEPTED IN CASH OR CHECK.)
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