Modern Marvels: Firefighting!

Fire—it can be humankind’s best friend or worst enemy. Firefighting examines the history of fire and firefighting, and explores contemporary trends and technological advancements in state-of-the-art firefighting. It also salutes the bravest of the brave—firefighters. Whether battling urban blazes that threaten lives and property or forest fires that can consume acres of woodlands, firefighters put their lives on the line each time they go to work. Firefighting would be useful for classes on American history, Public History, American Culture and Science and Technology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Containing the Demon

This episode provides an introduction to the series and explores the ways in which firefighters have fought fires throughout America’s history. In doing so the video contributes a historical trip through the evolution of fire and its dangers. Some of the most famous fires in history, such as the great Chicago Fire and the fire that followed the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 are explored.

Discussion Questions

  1. Fire remains one of the most awesome forces in nature. Despite human’s technological advances, fire still remains a constant threat. Why does fire remain one of civilization’s greatest problems?

  2. Discuss some of the high tech solutions for the threat of fire.

  3. How has fire always been both a friend and a foe to humankind?

  4. What is a fire triangle? What three conditions are necessary to create a fire triangle? How do these elements combine to feed fires?

  5. Discuss how firefighters have used the principles of the fire triangle to combat fires.

  6. How was early America “built to burn?” Were there any alternatives or other building materials available to early Americans? How has the use of different building materials minimized the threat and destruction of fire?

  7. What is a “bucket brigade?” How does it work? How was it used to combat fires and as a social setting?

  8. Discuss the advances enabled by the invention of the piston pump for firefighting.

  9. Dalmatians are a familiar sight in firehouses across America. How and why did the Dalmatian become associated with firefighters?

  10. The Great Chicago Fire is one of the most famous fires in American history. How did this great fire finally end?

  11. Discuss the impact and advantages of motorized fire trucks for firefighting.

  12. What is backdraft? What dangers does backdraft pose? How do firefighters combat backdraft?
Extended Activities

  1. Create a diagram or blueprint illustrating how a piston pumper operates.

  2. Create a poster that illustrates the fire drill route and routines for your school.

  3. Write an essay about the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in 1911 and the impact of this fire on American history.

Classroom Materials