Fire bucket

This conically shaped bucket is sewn from sturdy light brown and green leather. Four reinforcing strips of green leather form the framework for the bucket, which is also stabilised at the bottom and at the opening with green leather strips. Before the introduction of fire extinguishers, fire buckets like this one were widely employed to scoop up water by hand in the event of a fire. They were also compulsory in every household as a small fire extinguisher. They were frequently used in the early days of voluntary fire brigades as well. The Siegen Fire Brigade was officially founded on June 18th, 1865. To begin with, there were four teams with 280 members, who were supported by the city with equipment such as ladders, hoses and overalls. Members had to buy their own helmets, however. Yet by 1866, the number of members had already shrunk drastically and only the ladder team under Heinrich Hubert remained active. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the fire department was able to prevent major damage in fires such as that in the brewery in 1867 and the one in the clubhouse in 1869. Although only 30 men were still active by 1868, their important role for the town was evident.