TA proposal of some further Regulations, for the Speedier and more effectual Extinguishing of Fires, that may happen in this City. January 11, 1753.

Vaga per veterem dilapso flamma culinam
Volcano, summum properabat lambere Teetum.__Hor.

It is a common observation that the Inhabitants of this City are remarkable for their Agility in extinguishing Fires: And since so judicious a Poet as Virgil, hath compared the Industry of the Tyrians, to the Labours of the Bee; I think the amazing Celerity, with which my Fellow-Citizens cluster together, at the ringing of the Fire-Bell, may fitly be resembled, to the Swarming of those curious insects, at the sound of the Instrument used for that purpose. To pursue the Simile, there is not a Drone amongst them; but the rich and the poor, are alike indefatigable in preserving their Neighbors Property, from the devouring flames. It is one universal hurry and incessant activity. Nay they have often exposed themselves to the Peril of their lives, and performed Feats almost surpassing comprehension or belief. They toil with unwearied diligence, and seem insensible of the danger which threatens them. In a word, they stand in the midst of the flames, as unconcerned as Salamanders, mocking at fear, and striving to outvie each other in suppressing the general calamity. a noble emulation, and worthy the highest eulogium.

Nor ought the companies, lately formed for the preservation of Goods at fires, be passed over, without that share of applause which is due to so laudable an undertaking. An undertaking that deserves to be commemorated with gratitude and honour, as it exhibits a glaring attestation of their public spirit and exemplary devotion to their country. They have been at a considerable expense, in furnishing themselves with a proper apparatus; and given undeniable proofs, of the extensive utility of their respective societies. Animated by their example may others project expedients, equally tending to the public benefit; and reap for their reward, an equal share of public gratitude.

For my own part, as my future speculations will, on the one hand, evince my reluctance, at sparing the rod, where correction is necessary; so they will, on the other, show my readiness, to bestow all due honor, upon whatever deserves the approbation of the public. Would to heaven I never had an opportunity but to praise, with an absolute privation of the least necessity for the exercise of my chastisements! From this disinterested impartiality, I cannot refrain from paying to merit, its just tribute of commendation and renown. I shall therefore, take the liberty, still a moment to detain the reader, in order to express my own, and my countrymen's grateful sense of the corporations liberality, in making such ample provision for the extinguishing of fires, that we are in want of but few things requisite to that end. As most inventions, however, arrive at perfection, by gradual improvements, there is I conceive a possibility of super adding sundry regulations for the speedier controlling the rage of that terrible element.

It hath more than once been observed that our engines are incapable of throwing water to such a height as is sometimes necessary. Of this we had a dreadful instance when the steeple of Trinity church took fire. On that occasion we observed, with universal terror, that the engines could scarce deliver the water to the top of the roof. The spire however, was far beyond its reach; and had not providence smiled upon the astonishing dexterity and resolution of a few men, who ascended the steeple within, that splendid and superb edifice, had, in all probability, been reduced to ashes. We are therefore in want of at least one engine of the largest size, which throws water about one hundred and seventy feet high, discharges two hundred gallons in a minute, and costs about sixty five pounds sterling. Such an engine would have another advantage besides carrying the water to so great a height. The prodigious quantity it delivered, would be of unspeakable service at all fires.

Another thing, in which our present method of extinguishing fires, is capable of farther improvement, is this: It is usual for people, in cases of fire, to form themselves into two lines, the one to convey the full buckets to the engine, and the other to return the empty ones. Now it frequently happens, that when the engine is full, word is given, to stop water. This occasions a total cessation in the conveyance of more water to the engine, as well as the greatest confusion in the ranks: the consequence of which is, that the engine is empty before the ranks regain their former regularity, which creates a considerable intermission in its playing. The mischievous effects of this are apparent on the least reflection; for these interruptions, be they ever so small, give the Fire time to resume its fury, and which, if often repeated requires a much greater quantity of water for its total suppression, than would be necessary, was the engine continued in one regular and uninterrupted exercise. This inconvenience might, I conceive, be easily remedied by supplying each engine with a large tub, of at least the size of an hogshead; which being made of cedar, might be sufficiently strong, and at the same time light enough to be portable by two men.

This vessel ought to be placed near the engine, and all the full buckets to be emptied into it. From this capacious tub, three or four men might constantly and equally keep the engine replenished; which would enable it to play an equable and uniform stream. The happy effects resulting from such an expedient, would, I am persuaded, be immediately visible; And indeed, the truth of the proposition, is evident and constantly exemplified in life; For a pail of water, sprinkled by degrees on a common fire, will very little affect it; In reality, all the water may be wasted without extinguishing it; which nevertheless, thrown on it together, would be sufficient entirely to quench it.

Again, fires often happen so remote from water, as to occasion a want of people, and in places where the passage is too narrow, to admit of a sufficient number of double lines to supply the engines. In such cases, I would propose, that people should form themselves into three single lines, instead of two double ones; the two exterior ones for the full buckets; which, as they are emptied into the great tub, should be laid at the feet of the first man of the inner line, to be reconvened to the water. This line would be sufficient, to return the empty buckets of the other two, and by that method, three men might do the usual business of four, and in three quarters of the space of ground.

This economy is well worthy our consideration; nor can we, on these occasions, be too well supplied with Water, with respect to the tubs before mentioned. I must take the liberty, to entreat our magistrates, that we remain no longer without them. For could they be applied to no other use, than what I have already pointed out, that alone would render them extremely serviceable. But they will also, be of signal advantage in other respects: they will, in a great measure, secure the engines against being clogged and choked with the sand and pebbles scooped into the buckets at the river side. For the buckets being emptied into them, the sand and pebbles will sink to the bottom, and the water only be thrown into the engines.

Another advantage that would arise from the use of such tubs, is that no movement or change of situation in the engine nor any other accident that might impede its playing, need occasion any interruption to the ranks, in conveying water; to which they are at present greatly subject, on every such emergency; For there being no reservoir to receive the water, when the engine is full, or changing place, the lines must, during that interval, either cease conveying it, or set the full buckets on the ground, where they are generally overset, and the water lost.

It is further to be remarked, that many parts of the city, too remote from the river, to be supplied with water from thence, are very deficient in public wells. I am sensible, that when this has been mentioned, it hath often been esteemed a full reply, that the people have wells enough in their yards. But the inconveniences generally attending the bringing water from thence, are sufficient reasons, for making more public wells in the streets; For, without assigning any other, the opportunity it affords for robbing the houses, thro' which the water is brought, is an evil almost as bad as the fire itself.