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From childhood, firefighters are often viewed as natural heroes. This profession requires individuals to confront life-threatening situations under extremely terrifying conditions. Annually, around 70 firefighters in the US lose their lives while on duty. However, their history is filled with unexpected revelations.
10. Numerous Firefighters Are Arsonists
In the United States, approximately 100 firefighters are arrested each year for arson, with evidence indicating that many are repeat offenders. A fire chief in Minnesota admitted to starting nine fires, though 39 suspicious blazes occurred in his jurisdiction over two years, ceasing only after his arrest. Fire chief John Orr was responsible for four deaths and millions in damages. It is estimated that Orr ignited over 2,000 fires, many of which he later investigated himself.
This figure is significantly lower compared to the 1990s. In South Carolina, 33 volunteer firefighters were arrested for arson in 1993, and the number rose to 47 in 1994. When the state implemented a policy barring firefighters with criminal records, the arson rate dropped by approximately 90 percent.
Rarely do arsonists commit these acts due to psychological disorders. More often, they are motivated by financial incentives, as they only earn wages when actively fighting fires, or by the monotony of rural life where fires are infrequent.
9. Firefighters Opposed Technological Advancements
Much like the legend of Casey Jones, the introduction of steam engines in the early 1800s posed a threat to volunteer firefighters by rendering large crews unnecessary for tasks like pulling wagons and operating pumps. Early volunteer firefighters, often associated with gang activity, responded by physically assaulting steam engines in cities such as New York and St. Louis.
Moreover, the introduction of automatic fire alarms reduced the necessity for lookouts and additional fresh crews, which angered firefighters. They began engaging in fire alarm pranks to dissuade cities from adopting these new technologies.
8. Japanese Firefighters Drenched Themselves
In the Edo period (1603–1867), Japanese firefighters employed a unique method to combat fires. They arrived at fires equipped with water pumps and hoses but did not direct the water at the flames. Instead, they soaked themselves to reduce flammability. Their gear could weigh up to 34 kilograms (75 lb) when wet. They then used hooks on poles to tear down buildings, aiming to smother the fire, as they believed containing the fire's spread was more practical than saving individual structures.
While this method may not seem highly effective, historical evidence suggests it was successful. Over centuries in Japan, only 5 percent of recorded fires resulted in fatalities. Even during massive fires that destroyed entire city blocks housing thousands, such as those in Kanda in 1880 and 1881, no deaths were reported.
7. The First Female Firefighter
Molly Williams, who joined the New York City fire department in 1815, is recognized as the first woman to serve as an official firefighter. She was also among the first black firefighters in America, though her status as a slave and the team’s cook added a tragic layer to her story.
In 1818, New York City faced an influenza outbreak and a severe blizzard that incapacitated nearly every male member of the NYFD. During this time, Williams essentially became the fire department, single-handedly transporting the fire pump to emergencies.
6. Prejudice Against Firefighters in Eastern Europe
Despite the noble nature of firefighting, certain Eastern European communities historically viewed firefighters with suspicion or even outright hostility. This prejudice stemmed from a deplorable reason: during the late 19th century, firefighting was among the few professions in Russia, Ukraine, and Poland that permitted Jews to join.
Eastern Europe has a long history of anti-Semitism. Even post-World War II, events like the 1946 Kielce Pogrom in Poland, where up to 40 Jews were killed, highlighted this bigotry. In places like Kobryn, Belarus, riots erupted over a farming tax intended to fund the fire department after locals discovered some firefighters spoke Yiddish.
5. Smoke Jumpers
Fighting forest fires and skydiving are both widely regarded as highly perilous activities. Now, envision a profession that merges the most hazardous aspects of both. Smoke jumping originated in 1939 in the Pacific Northwest of North America, offering a quicker and more economical way to deploy personnel and resources. This initiative also became a platform for employing conscientious objectors during World War II.
However, it wasn’t a lucrative job. Earning just $5 a month, smoke jumpers made about one-tenth of a private soldier’s salary. Respect was also scarce. After the war, all conscientious objectors were dismissed, as it was believed their continued presence would breed resentment among others.
Today, approximately 270 full-time smoke jumpers operate between June and October, and the risks remain as high as they were in the 1940s.
4. Chile’s Distinctive Firefighters
Volunteer firefighters are not uncommon, especially in regions where governments lack the funds to provide such services. However, Chile’s system for its firefighters, locally called bomberos, goes far beyond what most nations would consider.
While office staff and drivers receive salaries, Chile’s 40,000 firefighters who actively combat fires are unpaid volunteers who pay monthly dues to serve as bomberos. This tradition has persisted since the mid-1800s, taking the concept of service as a privilege to an extraordinary level.
In 2014, following a devastating fire in Valparaiso that claimed 15 lives, destroyed 3,000 homes, and sparked national debates on reform, there was significant pressure to change this system. As of 2016, Chile continues to rely on volunteer firefighters.
3. National Heroes’ Struggle for Recognition
Since 2010, comedian Jon Stewart has tirelessly advocated for the US government to support the heroes of one of the most infamous events of the 21st century.
The Zadroga Act was designed to provide lifelong medical coverage for first responders of the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks. However, in 2015, officials considered discontinuing this coverage once the initial funds were depleted.
Thanks to Stewart’s efforts and increased media attention, Congress voted to extend the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, ensuring 75 years of coverage for 9/11 first responders’ Ground Zero-related health issues. President Obama signed the extension into law in December 2015.
2. South African Firefighters Who Sing
During the spring and summer of 2016, Alberta, Canada, faced a forest fire as large as Delaware. Assistance was brought in from other nations, with the most notable group being the 301 firefighters from South Africa. They gained attention for performing a dance upon arrival at Edmonton Airport, and the video of their performance quickly went viral.
Despite Canada’s agreement to pay each firefighter C$170 per day, it was later discovered they received only C$15 daily. This discrepancy caused discontent before they were sent home, as heavy rains eventually ended the crisis.
1. Widespread Sexual Harassment Issues
Although female firefighters joined US fire departments earlier than the military or police, gender discrimination remains a significant problem. A 1995 study revealed that 70 percent of female firefighters faced ongoing sexual harassment, and 26 percent of those who reported the abuse experienced retaliation.
Michelle Maliniak from Tucson, Arizona, endured harassment for 21 years. In 2015, she was awarded $35,000 in a sexual harassment lawsuit, along with $200,000 to cover her legal expenses. While this may seem like a significant financial burden for a cash-strapped service that relies heavily on volunteers, it pales in comparison to the $800,000 awarded to Lori Franchina, another female firefighter, for her prolonged experience with harassment.
