The photograph of the firemen I would place somewhere between 1902 and 1905 as the caps that they are wearing resemble the peakless Brodrick cap which was introduced in the army in 1902 (to be replaced by the SD cap in 1905)with many fire services picking it up for their own use around about the same time.
Have you tried the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Rochdale? if not they can be contacted via
museum@manchester.gov.ukold rowley
