The Importance Of Emergency Lightbars

Fire fighters are a ubiquitous sight in any community of any developed country

, and then in some, particularly the United States, come with an higher social prestige about them because of the highly published heroism and peril encountered during their jobs - especially the duties demanded of them in response at the events of 9/11. When most people think of fire fighters, they picture large red trucks with flashing emergency lightbars and screeching sirens, laden with firefighters adorned in their unique helmets and heavy jackets, bearing axes and hoses. However, there exists much history to which the present day fire fighter owes his positions.

Among the first formally organized public fire fighting departments within a major civilization was the Vigiles Urbani, or "Watchmen of the City" in ancient Rome. Modeled after the fire brigade of Alexandria, Egypt, these were formed by the first Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus sometime around the year 6 AD.

Even though lacking emergency lightbars and heavy clothing to repel the intense heat of a fire, these ancient firemen bore a resemblance to their successors in lots of surprising ways. Even two thousand years ago, they had access to sipho, or horse-drawn fire engines that used large pumps to draw water from local reservoirs of water.

There had been no blaring sirens or flashing emergency lightbars, but their presence was nonetheless made apparent in the typical Roman fashion, extreme exhibits of force and discipline. Because fire hydrants weren't available, Vigiles had to have an accurate knowledge of all sources of water throughout the city available to suit their needs.

If a fire burned far from any such source, bucket brigades were formed to bring water to the fire. There's even evidence that chemical methods of firefighting were used, in which a vinegar based solution was utilized to extinguish flames. Typically however, in case a fire had already taken a big enough part of the structure, it was safer and easier for the Vigiles to simply tear down the structure as it burned with hooks and also other equipment, to be able to stop the fire from spreading to other buildings and also to keep the smoke from doing even more damage to buildings and people.

If the building was multiple stories tall, soft mattresses and blankets were employed to catch those compelled to leap from upper windows to flee the smoke and flames. The Vigiles also performed the duties of any modern fire marshal, promoting and enforcing regulations meant to help prevent fires, including always keeping certain equipment and sources of water available in every home if the need arise. If a fire broke out and it was found that these measures had not been taken by the owner of the building, corporal punishment was often given as public beatings.

by: Paul Wise

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