Fire-Wards of Portland warnings, 1818
Item 100211 info
Maine Historical Society
"Vigilance and carefulness are at all time indispensable duties of every citizen…a moment’s carelessness may destroy the hard earnings of a whole life, and involve hundreds in distress."
- C.B. Brooks, Chairman, Portland Fire-Wards, 1818
Town leaders appointed fire wards to look for fires or situations that could lead to fires.
Fire wards directed the actions of those fighting the fire. They had police powers and could order citizens to assist.
They also could arrest anyone stealing property from a fire scene.
Item 15 of 18
