As more and more colonists came to the early counties, forests were naturally cleared and wooden homes as well as other structures were built. In those homes, owners had wooden floors, wooden walls, wooden ceilings and, of course, furniture made of wood.
Additionally, in time, houses and farms became closer to each other as the population increased.
Once structures were completed, chimney inspections were considered as a most serious duty. In time, wooden chimneys and thatched roofs became illegal due to the obvious hazards.
In the lives of early colonists, fire, in some fashion, was used every day for many reasons, therefore the risks were high.
In the more populated cities, authorities appointed fire wardens.
A familiar name in the nation’s history books, Benjamin Franklin, in addition to his notable reputation, is less well known for his creation of the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia in 1736. He was also noted for his role in the nation’s fire service and was, at one time, a fireman.