Henry Ford was worried about Mt Vernon's ability to fight a fire, so he donated a fire truck

Over the years, steps have been taken to improve access to water. This included the construction of cisterns near the mansion (1875) which were later updated with new technology and enlarged (1924).

In 1923, Henry Ford changed fire suppression at Mount Vernon forever with the donation of a fire truck, and later in 1936 he gifted a more sophisticated truck. This launched the operation of a fire department on the grounds of the estate.

http://www.mountvernon.org/donate/fire-away/#-

Founded in 1853, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association was created to save George Washington’s home from the indignity of potential ruin. One of our primary obligations is to ensure that the General’s Mansion remains safe and secure.

Fire is one of the timeless and ongoing threats to the Mansion. As fire-prevention technology continues to improve, we must now install a new state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression system in the Mansion to ensure this priceless national treasure will be safeguarded for the ages.

If you want to donate to the fire detection and suppression system: https://donate.mountvernon.org/fire-suppression