What historical fire fighting equipment was primarily used before the widespread adoption of internal combustion engines?

The historical firefighting equipment most commonly used before the widespread adoption of internal combustion engines is the horse-drawn steam engine. These engines were developed in the 19th century and represented a significant technological advancement in firefighting. They operated by burning fuel to create steam, which would then power the pump to draw water from a source and discharge it at high pressure to extinguish fires.

Horse-drawn steam engines were efficient for their time, allowing for faster response times compared to earlier hand-powered equipment. The use of horses provided the mobility necessary to transport these machines to fire scenes, and the steam power greatly increased the water delivery capabilities compared to manual methods.

In contrast, options like horse-drawn chemical carts and hand-pumped fire engines were notable forms of equipment but did not utilize steam power. Motorized fire trucks, while relevant in the evolution of firefighting, came later with the advent of internal combustion engines, thus not fitting the timeframe addressed by the question.