What at first sight appeared to be a fire in the Cambridge Fire House Saturday morning turned out to be just Spring house cleaning in the firemen's own big way.

At 9 o'clock the Department's newest and shiniest ladder truck was blocking half of Quincy Street behind the Fire House, and a shower of spray fell from the hose at the top of the raised ladder.

Brandishing a mop in an axe-like manner, a five-eater was swabbing the third story windows. An assistant directed the hose on the panes at the same time; so dirt didn't have much chance of staying on the outside.

A field general directed operations from below, and furnished instructions in mop technique, which were a sad contrast to the Department's usual efficiency.

This all took place at 9 o'clock. An hour later, the engine was back in the house and the men back at their checkers.