The records of the Peabody (Mass.) Fire Department consist of records for the Torrent Engine Company, which later became known as Hose Company #3 (for the years 1830 to 1923), the Excelsior Steam Fire Engine Company #2 (1874-1887) and the Eagle Hose Company #1 (1879-1891).

Series I. Torrent Engine Company/Hose Company #3 consists primarily of record books that record: the by-laws and constitution; lists of members each year; annual, monthly and special meetings; and fires and alarms answered. There are no records in this collection for the years 1850 to 1869 and 1900. Mentions of fire musters attended by the company begin showing up in the 1870s, and some of the later books mention social events held by the company, such as dances and bean suppers. The last record book contains much more information about social events and more information about some of the fires attended. Notes about the regular meetings become almost cursory by 1915. The loose material in B1 F5 consists of fire certificates granted to John O. Buxton, and other miscellaneous papers. Some loose materials removed from the record books are located in this folder as well.

Series II. Excelsior Steam Fire Engine Company #2 consists of a record book containing records of all club meetings. The meetings discuss business matters, such as the purchase of clothing and attendance at fire musters. There is no mention at all of fires attended until May 1883; after that date, however, fires and false alarms are often noted.

Series III. Eagle Hose Company #2 consists of a record book spanning the years 1879 to 1891. This record book is set up so that records of the regular and special meetings, fires and alarms attended, and accounts of the company do not necessarily fall into chronological order but can be found using the index at the front of the book. There are also several pages of accounts for Hose Company #2.