Definition of the word fire engine

The term "fire engine" has its origins in the 18th century when firefighting methods were largely improvised and localized. Initially, people used buckets or leather sacks filled with water or other liquids to extinguish small fires, but larger, more destructive blazes required more sophisticated equipment. In 1720, the first recorded use of an enclosed pumping device for firefighting appeared in Britain. This crucial piece of equipment, known as the Newfangled Fire Engine, was invented by the British inventor and engineer Jonathan Coachman. It consisted of a wooden pump mounted on four wheels that pulled water from nearby sources and directed the stream through hoses towards the fire. The popularity of Coachman's fire engine soon spread throughout Europe, and multiple updates followed. Christopher C Thursday, an American inventor, patented a fire engine in 1817, which was the first major update to Coachman’s design. His engine featured a steel-wheel design, improved pumping capabilities, and an adjustable height. The term "fire engine" became a common term in the 19th century when the pumping devices became more standardized and sophisticated. By the mid-1800s, steam-powered engines began to replace hand-pumped engines, further improving the capabilities of firefighting equipment. Thus, today's modern fire engines, powered by diesel engines and equipped with an array of advanced firefighting equipment, are direct descendants of the initial wooden pumps developed by Coachman over 300 years ago. The term "fire engine" has persisted, demonstrating its enduring association with the concept of preventing and combatting fires.