Ginger's US History Blog: November 2011

In-between the 1880s and the 1920s the use of fire departments in several large cities became very important, having impacts socially, economically, safety wise, and others. One of the cities that this was predominant in was New York City.
With the introduction of paid fire departments came the advantages of a constant labor force that lead to the development of more modern equipments and technologies to prevent fires, instilling a more disciplined structure, and increased their efficiency.

During this time firefighting became an extremely desirable position due to its job security when the employment market became unstable. Firefighting also retained the glamour and prestige it had from before when it was a volunteer only position. All though it was a dangerous occupation, it became a gateway job into the middle class scene.

On a whole, many of the immigrants coming to NYC sought out firefighting jobs because of how well they allowed for the entrance into the middle class, and the job security. The immigrant countries that were predominant were from, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Scandinavia. But no other group was more predominant than the Irish. The Irish and other immigrants, who were immigrating because of insecurities in their home countries, sought out job security.

During this time period firefighting developed a “firehouse culture”. Firefighting considered to dangeroues for women, the job type was a male dominated one, where those working were all very masculine. Along with this, the “firehouse culture” was Catholic, where in larger fire departments included a Catholic parish. They became a very exclusive and small group of their own. The average firefighter was characterized as: a male, Irish, a part of the working class, and a Catholic.

In large cities, where populations were increasing at rapid rates, large scale fires became a problem. One such fire was the Triangle shirtwaist fire of 1911. Where the resulting death toll was 146 workers. Leaving the 8^th, 9^th and 10^th floors were severally burned. These fires were the marking points of several laws being passed that were meant to outline new workplace safety. Fire serves pushed for new fire codes and safety standards, which lead to the development of mandatory fire drills, and the use of new technologies like sprinkler systems. With those facts in mind, fire fighting departments would develop sub branches in order to address growing needs. some of these branches were a rescue unit, fire boats, and ambulance services.

At the end of the time period firefighting had transformed from a volunteer position into a professional position. With the introduction of fire academies, civil exams, and rigorous physical standards to join. The need for professional firefighting departments grew and developed over the years. From Chicago to New York the need for firefighters in the slowly over populating cities.