Squnk City was without any adequate protection against fire, should a fire break out, and the worthy citizens of this progressive burg becoming suddenly alive to the fact, met in solemn conclave. And at that meeting they decided to form a fire brigade. Then the officers were appointed. For long, long days and nights there was no fire in Squnk City. Then one night the alarm bell rang and each of the officers arose from his bed, clothed himself in his uniform and made his way to the fire station. There was a fire, not much of a one, it is true, but the Squnk City Fire Brigade, in its articles of organization, had omitted to define the respective duties of the officers. So that before the work of fire extinction could be begun, there was much dispute amongst these important functionaries as to whose duty it was to first start operations. However in the end the fire was extinguished, not before, though, the inhabitants of a small household were placed in great danger from the tardiness with which these over-officious gentlemen got to work.
—Moving Picture World synopsis