First Fire Truck in the World:

Early prototypes of the fire engine were designed in England to move water from one place to another. Once the need for firefighters became apparent, they would discharge the tanks with pumps to generate the pressure needed to reach the blazing building.

In 1721, Richard Newsham, an English inventor, recognized an opportunity. Newsham filed 2 patents that would allow him to create and control the market of fire engines during the mid 1700’s in England.

Newsham’s design consisted of a wooden chassis constructed with a long and narrow frame that could easily be maneuvered. Newsham’s engine encompassed a large lever that required the efforts of two men. The two firefighters would then begin pumping by standing with one foot on each side of the pump, throwing their weight upon each treadle alternately. While the crew members were pumping a leather hose was attached to the top of the apparatus that another set of firefighters directed the jet of water at the fire.