Despite their best efforts, however, fires did occur. As the communities grew larger the bucket brigades, no matter how large, proved inadequate. Towns had little money to spare for the more elaborate fire fighting equipment and certainly none for paid fire fighters. It is hardly remarkable that in many instances it was the community's leading citizens who formed the volunteer fire company, since the men of property were left to protect their own interests.
The nation's first truly volunteer fire company was founded in 1736 by Benjamin Franklin and his friends. Modeled after Boston's mutual aid societies, the members of the Union Fire Company while initially agreeing to protect each other's property in the event of fire quickly decided to extend their endeavors to the city at large. Subsequently the Union Fire Company provided the paradigm for the organization of all future companies not only in Philadelphia but throughout the commonwealth.
Membership was both selective and limited and the organization rigidly structured. Upon admission to the company each member was required to equip himself with two leather buckets, a linen bag and a basket for the rescue of valuables. Upon hearing the alarm of fire all were to respond immediately with their equipment. Failure to appear at the fire ground without a good excuse was punishable by fine. While their equipment was minimal it was essential that it be kept in good repair. Consequently each month the company clerk would inspect each member's equipment and ascertain that it was both in good condition and readily accessible. Fines for infractions of these rules served to increase the treasury and were used for the purchase of company equipment-ladders, pikes, and ultimately engines. These early engines, which were filled manually and operated by means of piston pumps, were generally imported from London. Not until the end of the eighteenth century did Philadelphia become a center for the manufacture of fire engines. (TOP)