By 1900, the department had 14 horses, 21 firemen, 1 two-horse hose reel, 2 two-horse hose wagons, an aerial hook and ladder truck, 1 double 50 gallon chemical engine, 1 steamer, 3,000 feet of first-class hose, 700 feet of lower grade hose, 1 Deluge set, and a Fire Chief's Buggy. There were at that time 54 electric alarm boxes in town and 226 water plugs.

Also, Chief Walden had developed his book of "Rules and Regulations" for the government and disclipine of the Wichita Fire Department. This book was issued to each man and outlined the duties and responsibilities in pretty positive terms. Firefighters were required to be on duty at all times and got a leave of absence for 12 hours every eight days after application was made to the foreman in charge of house.

It was also realized by this time, that the water pressure in the city mains was not sufficient to cope with fires in the new three, four and five-story buildings, so the appearance of the steamer was made. The first steamer was an Ahrens Fox, 750 gallon pumper, fueled by coal. At first it was pulled by a two-horse team, but after getting stuck in the mud a few times, a three-horse team was assigned. It got its initation in 1901, at the Dold Packing House fire, where it pumped for 36 hours. Apparently, it was a little late in arriving because the loss was estimated to have been $600,000. The driver reported that upon arrival, his team was panting and sweating and two of the three were nearly exhausted. (They should have been, it was a long haul from 220 North Market to 21st and Broadway.) In 1902, after the new Station Number 3 was built at 18th and Topeka, this steamer was moved from down town to a location nearer the packing houses.

In 1902, a second steamer was purchased (a Metropolitan Engine) from the American Fire Engine Company (extra first sized) capable of pumping 1,000 gallons per minute. Its sensitive boiler allowed a full head of steam in only six minutes. It was described in the Wichita Eagle with glowing terms:

"The engine is made of steel, ornamented with nickel, and has spokes of hickory. The wheels are covered with large steel tires and the tongue is reinforced with steel. Under the footrest is a nickel bell used to warn pedestrians of the engines approach. Wichita No. 2 is engraved on the nickel smokestack. It is drawn by three fire horses and requires two men to operate it. When full steam pressure is up, it can pump 1,000 gallons of water a minute."

This old steamer was in service for 30 years and responded to 33 major fires which alone caused $2,591,000 in fire loss.

In 1904, a big flood innudated much of downtown Wichita and water flowed through No. 1 and No. 2 Hose Houses. Fortunately the fire equipment of that day didn't drown out.

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