Fire

Native Americans are the first recorded users of fire. Spanish explorers and missionaries learned it from them. It became a very valuable tool. Native Americans used fire to cook, to clear areas of the woods, and to maintain the grasslands they used for hunting. They were very careful with fire and respectful of its power. Settlers followed this practice, and used fire to clear the land to plant crops. Fire can be very helpful, but it can also be deadly. Wildfires can be started intentionally or the result of negligence. They can burn out of control in no time if the conditions are right. Wind plays a huge role in whether a fire will be contained or if it will continue to spread.

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The first fire extinguisher was invented by a man in the United Kingdom in 1819. It consisted of a copper vessel holding three gallons of pearl ash with compressed air. The soda acid extinguisher was the next type. It surfaced in the late 19th century.

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The fire department is a public service to help eliminate the damage from fires. Using the best equipment and technology available, the fire fighters work together to safely remove people and animals from the harm of fire while containing the flames. This is risky work, but very rewarding to those who do it. Many fire department workers have given their lives while in the line of duty.

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Fire safety is very important. It involves being safe at home as well as the safety of building everywhere. Fire safety at home involves making sure your smoke detectors are working properly. You and your family need to establish a safety plan and practice it. Have a location to meet so that you know everyone has gotten out safely. Practice stop, drop, and roll procedures. It is important that children understand that they need to leave all of their things behind and get out of the house. Make sure they know how to call 911 to report a fire and that they know their address. Since some children are afraid of fire fighters in their equipment, make sure you child knows what this equipment looks like and they know not to hide during a fire. Following these safety tips can help ensure your family all get through the incident safely. Sparky the dog is the cartoon spokesman to promote fire safety to children throughout the United States. He is a Dalmatian, who is the dog commonly used by fire departments.

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The first fire truck was a steam engine in 1655. It was able to shoot water up to 40 feet. Colonial homes were required to have a bucket of water of the front step in case of a fire. Known as the bucket brigade, fire fighters would throw buckets of water onto the fire. 1719 saw fire trucks growing in numbers through communities. The first fire department in the United States was established in 1737. They did not purchase fire trucks until 1943.

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