On a visit to Boston, Benjamin Franklin noted that the inhabitants of his native city were far better prepared to fight fires than the natives of his adopted city, Philadelphia. Upon returning home, he consulted the Junto, a benevolent group dedicated to civic and self-improvement, and asked for their suggestions on better ways to combat fires. Franklin also sought to raise public awareness about the city's dire need to improve fire-fighting techniques. In a Pennsylvania Gazette article of 1733 Franklin noted how fires were being fought in Philadelphia.
Fire company emblems.
Goodwill and amateur firefighters were not enough, though. He further urged that chimney sweeps should be licensed by the city and be held responsible for their work. He noted that via practice and regular meetings, the firefighters' skills improved. Leather bucket used to fight fires. Under Franklin's goading, a group of thirty men came together to form the Union Fire Company on December 7, 1736.