Fire Prevention in the Americas... (TOP)

In the American colonies and particularly in Pennsylvania, the concept of the free association prevailed- individuals banding together to work for the common good. Some municipal effort toward fire fighting and fire prevention existed. Recalling the devastation of the Great Fire of London in 1666, William Penn and the early settlers did all they could to prevent a similar occurrence in Philadelphia. The streets were wider than average, the houses built of brick and stone whenever possible, surrounded by open spaces. Fines for improper cleaning or firing of chimneys were applied to the purchase of communal buckets and ladders. At the same time householders were required to keep a bucket and swab readily available.

Similar measures were enacted in other communities. Lancaster imposed building codes for the proper construction of chimneys and fire walls for forges and blacksmith shops. Reading too specified that chimneys in smiths shops have arched sheet-iron tops with holes to contain the sparks. They also prohibited bonfires, firecrackers and the smoking of cigars on the street after sunset! (TOP)