Governor of New Amsterdam (New York City), appointed 4 fire wardens in 1648 which was the first organized fire prevention inspections in America. The Fire Wardens were allowed to inspect every home in the city for proper cleaning and construction of chimneys. If fires were started due to negligent cleaning or construction of chimneys and fire places, the Fire Wardens could issue fines to the home owners.
America's First Paid Fire Fighters - 1679
After a large fire in Boston, Thomas Atkins was appointed as the First Fire Chief. The first paid firefighters were hired in 1679 in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 365,600 paid firefighters.
First Volunteer Fire Department - 1736
December 7, 1736-First Union Fire Company established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Benjamin
Franklin. Good will or amateur men agreed to respond to fires and attempt to extinguish the fires.
Use of strong bags, baskets, and (more commonly) leather buckets coined the phrase the “Bucket Brigade.” Homeowners required to provide a bucket on their doorsteps for the first
Franklin. Good will or amateur men agreed to respond to fires and attempt to extinguish the fires.
Use of strong bags, baskets, and (more commonly) leather buckets coined the phrase the “Bucket Brigade.” Homeowners required to provide a bucket on their doorsteps for the first
arriving volunteers to use. Approximately 30 men made up the first volunteer fire department.
The Great Chicago Fire - 1871
America’s fastest growing city in 1871 was Chicago. Rapid growing populations meant construction of city
mainly was wood and other combustible material. The city had been facing a drought that brought high
winds along with it. October 9, 1871- Fire started in O’Leary Barn. Legend states the fire was started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow knocking a lantern over onto hay, however this has never been proven. 3 Fire Departments responded to the call. Chicago FD, Milwaukee FD, and Cincinnati FD. Firefighters were given wrong directions to the fire. High winds and wooden building construction allowed fire to grow and spread quickly to the heart of the city. The fire engulfed the Chicago Waterworks plant and brought firefighting efforts to a standstill. The fire burned until it ran out of fuel. DEATH AND DAMAGE TOLL: 250 people dead and Fire destroyed 1/3 of Chicago’s buildings. CODE CHANGES: Fire and building codes in place for new spacing and construction materials required to be used for reconstruction. The first week of October as National Fire Prevention Week marks the anniversary of this fire.
mainly was wood and other combustible material. The city had been facing a drought that brought high
winds along with it. October 9, 1871- Fire started in O’Leary Barn. Legend states the fire was started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow knocking a lantern over onto hay, however this has never been proven. 3 Fire Departments responded to the call. Chicago FD, Milwaukee FD, and Cincinnati FD. Firefighters were given wrong directions to the fire. High winds and wooden building construction allowed fire to grow and spread quickly to the heart of the city. The fire engulfed the Chicago Waterworks plant and brought firefighting efforts to a standstill. The fire burned until it ran out of fuel. DEATH AND DAMAGE TOLL: 250 people dead and Fire destroyed 1/3 of Chicago’s buildings. CODE CHANGES: Fire and building codes in place for new spacing and construction materials required to be used for reconstruction. The first week of October as National Fire Prevention Week marks the anniversary of this fire.
HISTORY OF FIRE GIVES FIRE MARSHALS A REFLECTION OF WHERE WE ARE COMING FROM
No comments:
Post a Comment