The History of Roman Fire Department

                                          The History of Firefighting
The year 2006 marks the 2000th anniversary of firefighting as it is known today. Egypt is where any type of firefighting originaly started. It was not structured like we had today (or like the Romans) but they originally formatted the idea. However, it was not until 6 AD the Roman fire brigade (Vigiles) was formed by Augustus Caesar. The Vigiles also served like the police force by patrolling the streets of Rome to watch for fires. The Corp of Vigiles consisted of ex-slaves who were trained in firefighting; they also served as watchmen of the city during the night. The fire that started near the Circus Maximus on 19 July AD 64 and eventually destroyed two thirds of Rome was the most famous fire in Rome. The people in Rome were often unprepared for the event of fires, they had no idea what to do and some stood to watch the fires, like Pliny mentioned in his letter. The Emperor Nero was later blamed for the for the fire. However, Rome did suffer from many fires.

                          Additional information on firefighting in Rome
"The Corp of Vigiles, which consisted of 7190 members grew to become one of the most powerful, esteemed and elite organizations in the Roman Empire. The fire service known today is a direct result of the Vigiles.
 

The duties of the Vigiles were divided into Uncinarius, the hook-man who carried a large hook for removing burning roofs; Siphonarius, the firefighter who was responsible for the supervision and operation of water pumps; Aquarius, the firefighter whose main duties were to supply water to pumps and organize bucket chains, and the Emperor who was the fire chief.
 

There were seven battalions of firefighters, each working in two of Rome's fourteen fire districts. Each battalion, which were known as cohorts, consisted of 560 men. Each battalion had one chief and he was assisted by administrative personnel and four physicians.

Firefighters used hooks, pick-axes, ladders and ropes as equipment. They also brought their own water to the fire using buckets. Powerful pumps were used which could reach a height of 20 to 30 meters. Water was drawn from public fountains, basins and wells inside buildings.

Fire codes were developed and enforced; a 4% tax was levied on the sale of slaves to pay for the Corp of Vigiles."