The formation of the volunteer fire companies brought a greater system of organization to fire fighting. Members of the company were assigned specific duties at fires-guarding doors to prevent looting, the salvaging of household articles, manning the engine, and in some instances, directing the efforts of non-fire company members. Although each company operated independently, rival companies met periodically to share new ideas and to seek ways of increasing the towns' equipment and defenses.

By the early nineteenth century volunteer companies were well established. Years of experience had enabled them to perfect their techniques and to develop successful co-operative systems. Neighboring towns could draw upon this experience in setting up their own companies. In many instances small communities even purchased the used engines of the larger cities. (TOP)