<P> In 1631 , Boston 's governor John Winthrop outlawed wooden chimneys and thatched roofs . In 1648 , the New Amsterdam governor Peter Stuyvesant appointed four men to act as fire wardens . They were empowered to inspect all chimneys and to fine any violators of the rules . The city burghers later appointed eight prominent citizens to the `` Rattle Watch '' - these men volunteered to patrol the streets at night carrying large wooden rattles . If a fire was seen , the men spun the rattles , then directed the responding citizens to form bucket brigades . On January 27 , 1678 the first fire engine company went into service with its captain ( foreman ) Thomas Atkins . In 1736 Benjamin Franklin established the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia . </P>
<P> In 1631 , Boston 's governor John Winthrop outlawed wooden chimneys and thatched roofs . In 1648 , the New Amsterdam governor Peter Stuyvesant appointed four men to act as fire wardens . They were empowered to inspect all chimneys and to fine any violators of the rules . The city burghers later appointed eight prominent citizens to the `` Rattle Watch '' - these men volunteered to patrol the streets at night carrying large wooden rattles . If a fire was seen , the men spun the rattles , then directed the responding citizens to form bucket brigades . On January 27 , 1678 the first fire engine company went into service with its captain ( foreman ) Thomas Atkins . In 1736 Benjamin Franklin established the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia . </P>
who founded the first fire fighting team in america
who founded the first fire fighting team in america
Thomas Atkins
Thomas Atkins