200 years since the creation of the Paris Fire Brigade in 1811
"Fire"! "Fire"! 200 years of rescues and specialised intervention. The history of organised fire fighting began in the days of Ancient Egypt. The "firefighters" fight fire and floods and provide assistance to protect people, property and the environment. They form the linchpin of the emergency services.
The French word for fireman, "pompier" comes from the hand pump used in the past to put out fires. Napoleon I created the first professional fire brigade with the decree of 18 September 1811, which organised Paris' firemen as a military unit. The French term sapeur-pompier ("sapper-pumper") has been officially used since that decree.
The risks associated with the profession make the use of protective equipment (like helmets and boots) and the red fire engine with all sirens blaring indispensable.
