Firefighters have always been at the front lines of danger, risking their lives to protect others. The 20th century was a time of great change, with advances in technology and equipment that revolutionized firefighting techniques and improved the efficiency of rescue operations. From the introduction of motorized fire engines to the development of protective gear, these innovations reshaped the profession. Whether working in urban streets or rural communities, firefighters faced danger head-on, often without the tools and resources we take for granted today. We hope you’re ready for some amazing photos of firefighters because that’s what we have for you. Here are 17 photos of firefighters from the 1900s.
1. If you think the job is dangerous now, imagine having gear like this.
That thing on his chest is an early respirator.
2. A female firefighter in London, 1926.
That’s one peculiar-looking hat.
3. What’s the use of the pointed tip on those hats?
I’m convinced the only thing they provide is a goofy look.
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4. A firefighter in training, 1954.
I wonder how old fire trucks compare to the ones we have today.
5. Oil well firefighters have it rough.
Next time you’re having a rough day at the office, look at this photo.
6. This early firefighter suit would allow the person to get closer to the fire.
I’m guessing this was just a prototype, but the concept is extremely cool.
7. Only in New York, will kids continue their game during a massive fire.
It’s absurd to think that firefighters take a look at that and run in without a second thought.
8. A chemical fire from 1980.
Chemical fires are way more dangerous than normal fires, and it’s pretty obvious why.
9. No facial protection seems dangerous.
I’d be wearing a respirator if I were remotely near a fire.
10. This is a photo of a man who battled a fire in 9-degree temperatures.
The infamous ice-encrusted helmet. If you think the fire would melt the ice, you’d be wrong.
11. Do you think this building is saveable, 1979?
There was some primitive protective gear back then, the heat would have been brutal.
12. This woman is showing the firefighter some appreciation.
If someone saved your family or pets, you’d be holding their hand as well.
13. Firefighters from the 1920s embody swagger.
There’s no way that car can hold more than a couple hundred gallons of water.
14. New York firefighters battle a fire while covered in icicles, 1960s.
Battling a fire while frozen, that’s pretty ironic.
15. These women were fighting the fires at Pearl Harbor.
I can only imagine what they were looking at in this moment.
16. An EMT feeding a firefighter oxygen, 1980.
You can only imagine the physical tax fighting a fire has on you.
17. Firefighters in London, 1980s.
These look more like silly costumes rather than uniforms.
