††††During Roman times the first trained fire brigades developed. They accompanied the Roman legions on their travels. The fire brigades were led by a fire chief in his own chariot.
During the Middle Ages buildings often burnt down and fires spread easily. In 1189, Richard I of England ordered city authorities to keep fire-fighting equipment and barrels of water in front of houses. After the Great Fire of London in 1666 more equipment was provided. About the middle of the 19th century, steam fire engines were introduced. The steam was used to drive the pumps as well as the vehicles. However, horse drawn fire engines were also used right up to 1921.
Nowadays, every fire brigade has a number of fire engines. Some fires, such as those involving petrol or aircraft fuel, require the use of a special foam instead of water to smother the fumes.
