What advancement occurred in fire fighting technology by 1860?

The acceptance of the horse-drawn steam engine marked a significant advancement in firefighting technology by 1860. This innovation greatly enhanced the efficiency and speed at which firefighters could respond to blazes. Prior to the advent of steam engines, firefighting relied heavily on hand-operated pumps, which were limited in water pressure and volume. The horse-drawn steam engine, however, allowed for a more powerful and effective means to pump water directly from sources like rivers and hydrants, enabling quicker suppression of fires.

The introduction of the horse-drawn steam engine also represented a shift in the methods used by fire departments, as it combined mobility with increased operational capacity. This not only improved the effectiveness of firefighting efforts but also set the stage for further advancements in firefighting equipment and techniques in the years to come.

While water tankers, chemical fire extinguishers, and motorized fire trucks are significant developments in firefighting history, they came later, with the former two innovations being introduced long after the 1860 milestone of the steam engine.