December 7, 1736
Benjamin Franklin is at it again, this time with his Bucket Brigade. Following a series of publications in the Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 members came together and formed the Union Fire Company, the cities first volunteer fire department, on this day in 1736.
Franklin’s suggestion of a “Club or Society of active Men belonging to each Fire Engine; whose Business is to attend all Fires with it whenever they happen,” would replace the amateur nature of how fires had been fought.
Philly became home to the Heart-in-Hand, Britannia, and Fellowship Fire Companies shortly after his company formed.
