Early Fire Prevention
From Salem Links and Lore
The first fire engine used in Salem was bought by Richard Derby and others in 1749. Most residents in those days had leather buckets at the ready
to help put out fires.
Before modern days, the fire department had consisted of steam fire engines and hand-engines,
Hook and ladder carriages, and hose-carriages.
In 1744, the first of many fire clubs was organized.
Many good articles on this topic can be found in the sources cited below.
See Also
Annals of Salem Felt, Vol. 1, p. 365-372
Salem in the Eighteenth Century Phillips, p. 189-194
Historical Sketch of Salem Osgood, p.76
