<P> Until the mid-19th century , most fire engines were maneuvered by men , but the introduction of horse - drawn fire engines considerably improved the response time to incidents . The first self - propelled steam pumper fire engine was built in New York in 1841 . Unfortunately for the manufacturers , some firefighters sabotaged the device and its use of the first engine was discontinued . However , the need and the utility of power equipment ensured the success of the steam pumper well into the twentieth century . Many cities and towns around the world bought the steam fire engines . </P>
<P> Until the mid-19th century , most fire engines were maneuvered by men , but the introduction of horse - drawn fire engines considerably improved the response time to incidents . The first self - propelled steam pumper fire engine was built in New York in 1841 . Unfortunately for the manufacturers , some firefighters sabotaged the device and its use of the first engine was discontinued . However , the need and the utility of power equipment ensured the success of the steam pumper well into the twentieth century . Many cities and towns around the world bought the steam fire engines . </P>
when did the first american steam-powered fire engine come into service
when did the first american steam-powered fire engine come into service
1841
1841