What role did fire wardens play in New Amsterdam under Peter Stuyvesant?

In New Amsterdam under Peter Stuyvesant, fire wardens played a crucial role in maintaining fire safety by inspecting chimneys for violations. This responsibility was vital because the prevalence of wooden buildings and a lack of fire suppression infrastructure made the risk of fire particularly high. Ensuring that chimneys were properly maintained helped to reduce the likelihood of chimney fires, which could easily spread to surrounding structures. By identifying and addressing issues such as improperly constructed or maintained chimneys, fire wardens contributed significantly to the overall fire safety of the colony. This practice exemplified the proactive measures taken during that time to address fire hazards in a rapidly developing urban environment.