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   Fires in Roman times were frequent and severe. Most of the houses in the towns and cities were very densely packed and were constructed from timber, which caused rapid spread of fire.

   The Romans rallied together groups of slaves to form one of the first known fire brigades to protect Rome in 6BC. The firefighting equipment that was utilised was very basic and usually consisted of a manually operated double cylinder force pump used as a fire engine. The pump generated a continuous jet of water, which was directed at the seat of the fire.

   Very little progressed in the organisation of firefighting until the end of the 17^th century. Fires were both regular and wreaked havoc on communities. Ignition sources were numerous including oil lamps, open fires, cooking stoves and lighted candles.

    It was during this period that a number of laws and regulations were passed to protect from fires. One particular law was passed in AD872, which stated that all open fires were to be covered at night when a bell was rung. Many further regulations were enforced, in large houses in the cities a large ladder had to be made available in order to rescue the inhabitants and neighbours in case of a fire. (more…)