Fire is an important part of civilization, but it can also be very dangerous. Ever since humans started using fire, they have tried to protect themselves against its harmful effects. Organized fire fighting has been around for thousands of years. The ancient Romans even had special groups of citizens who were appointed to fight fires in cities. In modern times, firefighters have developed clothing and equipment that can protect them and help them battle the flames more effectively. The historical evolution of fire fighting equipment has continued through the early 21st century, with new inventions almost every year.
Fire Fighting Equipment in Early America
In the early American colonies, houses were often made of wood and straw. This created fire hazards and led to frequent outbreaks of fire in cities and towns. Early firefighters did not have protective clothing that would allow them to enter houses and fight fires from inside. The earliest fire helmet seems to have been invented sometime in the 1730s by a New York firefighter named Jacobus Turck. This helmet let firefighters battle fires more efficiently by going indoors and getting closer to the flames. By the 1800s, fire helmets had taken on a similar form to modern ones, with a shield in front to protect the face from heat, flame, sparks, and smoke.
The Birth of Modern Fire Fighting Gear
Firefighters in the 19th century were looking for a way to fight fires successfully without suffering from the effects of heat and smoke inhalation. In the 1860s, an inventor named James Braidwood devised a primitive breathing apparatus with leather bags full of fresh air for firefighters to breathe while they worked. As airplane technology started to develop in the early 20th century, firefighters borrowed oxygen tanks from pilots to do their work more safely. Modern materials such as Kevlar and other fireproof fabrics were incorporated into fire suits.
Technological Advances for Greater Safety
Although fire fighting is still a dangerous activity, there is now a wide selection of safety gear that makes it less hazardous and more efficient than ever. With the help of up-to-date materials and designs, firefighters can do their best to keep families and businesses safe.