The fire pole was invented in the 1870s in Chicago to help firefighters quickly reach equipment on the ground floor of two-story fire stations. Today, most fire stations are one story high, making the pole unnecessary, but it remains an iconic symbol. The first fire poles were made of wood, but most stations quickly switched to polished brass or plastic for safety reasons. Some firefighters have expressed concerns about the safety of fire poles and have encouraged their removal from structures.
The fire pole is a pole installed in fire stations more than two stories high, so that firefighters can quickly slide down the pole to reach equipment on the ground floor. Today, most fire stations are one story high, so the fire pole isn’t necessary, but some older two-story stations still have poles in place, and a number of museums dedicated to the history as well Some firefighters have such poles on display.
The fire pole idea appears to have emerged in the 1870s in Chicago, Illinois. Originally, fire stations had at least two levels, to have an area for horse stables and equipment storage, and to have an area for firefighters to live and relax. When a fire call came in, the station crew were forced to sprint down the stairs, sometimes creating a pile-up and slowing response times considerably.
An anonymous firefighter stationed somewhere in Chicago supposedly realized that it would be quicker to jump down to the ground floor, but that this could be very dangerous. By setting up a pole, firefighters could jump to the floor below while using the pole to control their descents, making sure they arrived safely. While the first firehouse with a pole was undoubtedly the butt of ridicule, the invention quickly caught on, because it shortened response times, allowing firefighters to get to fires quicker.
The first fire poles were wooden, but most stations quickly switched to polished brass. Wood carries a significant splinter risk, even when well cared for, and creates more friction, which would have slowed down firefighters’ descent. Brass and other metals don’t splinter and provide less friction, allowing people to descend more quickly; plastic can also be used to make fire poles, for the same reason. Of course, in addition to a pole, a fire station would have stairs, to get back to the upper floor or floors.
Today, the fire pole is seen as a bit of an anachronism. Many firefighters are concerned that such poles could be dangerous, as there is a risk of falling, and have encouraged single story construction and the removal of poles from their structures so firefighters do not get hurt. . However, the fireman’s pole has become an iconic symbol and such poles can also be seen on playgrounds and other venues.
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