How Amsterdam invented the fire department

6 hours ago

Amsterdam's wealth in the 17th century was overshadowed by high fire risks due to abundant flammable materials in homes and industries.
The city initially used Hautsch water-pumping engines but they were ineffective at reaching fire sources, leading to devastating losses like the sugar refinery (1669) and Blaeu's printing office (1672).
Jan van der Heyden, a painter and inventor, introduced street lighting and, with his brother Nicolaas, invented an improved fire engine featuring suction hoses, flexible 'snake' hoses, and continuous water pressure.
After a 1672 fire demonstration, the Van der Heydens' system was adopted, retrofitting old engines and eventually replacing them with lightweight versions, along with new regulations and incentives for fire response.
The new fire-fighting system dramatically reduced losses: from 1670-1681, losses were over 100 times higher than from 1682-1687, with faster responses minimizing damage.
Van der Heyden's approach is considered an early example of systems analysis, aligning with Amsterdam's civic ethos and supported by city officials who promoted practical inventions.

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