Hobbies And Interests
Early Fire Engines
The first fire engines appeared during the 1600s, and they were extremely primitive. They consisted of tubs of water that were carried to the site on long poles or wheeled to the location. The water was thrown on the blaze using buckets. By the late 17th century, a leather hosepipe was introduced to direct the water, allowing the firefighters to stay safely back from the blaze. By the 19th century, firefighters used horse-drawn steam-pumps to quell fires.
Speaking Trumpet
During a fire, organization of the firefighters' resources is essential, and a fire chief or officer needs to make himself heard over the roar of the fire. A speaking horn is the ancestor of today's bullhorn, and they allowed the officials in charge to relay orders to the firefighters. The ones that were used in the field were typically made of tin, brass or silver, but there were also presentation speaking trumpets given as a mark of esteem, and some of these were ornamented with gold or semi-precious stones.
Oxygen Masks
Fires consume oxygen, making it difficult for firefighters to breathe when they are close to the blaze. During the 19th century, leather masks were fitted over the firefighter's face, which were then attached to a hose. A foot bellows pumped air to the mask, and signals were passed back and forth by the number of tugs on the hose.
Pull-Down Hooks
Pull-down hooks were also called cornice hooks, and they consisted of a very heavy hook made of forged iron. The hook had a hole through which the firefighters tied a rope. A pole lifted the cornice hook up into the air and hooked it on the corner of a chimney, and then the chimney would be pulled down to prevent it from collapsing unexpected on its own.