🔍 The #CuratorsCorner explores the origins of firefighting in our city and the distinctive parade hats and helmets worn by its earliest volunteers. In 1810, St. Louis passed its first fire ordinance, requiring men age 18 and older to serve in either the north or south bucket brigade. Households were also required to maintain two buckets and a ladder capable of reaching their roof. As St. Louis grew, wooden buildings, crowded streets, and the expanding steamboat industry created increasing #fire hazards. Following a major brewery fire in 1829, citizens organized the city’s first volunteer fire company, Central No. 1. While the city provided a hand pumped fire engine, volunteer companies relied heavily on community donations and membership dues. By 1834, volunteers were required to wear uniforms. Each company proudly displayed its own colors, name, and motto on distinctive parade hats and helmets, reflecting the pride and competitive spirit of early firefighters. Eventually, 10 volunteer companies served St. Louis. Their equipment included hand drawn engines, hose reels, and specialized devices called “plug catchers,” used by young men and boys racing to secure hydrants for their companies. On April 4, 1857, a city ordinance authorized the establishment of a paid steam fire department. The volunteer era gradually ended, with the final two companies disbanding in 1859. The historic hats and helmets pictured here represent more than firefighting equipment. They symbolize the traditions, community pride, and dedication that helped establish today’s St. Louis Fire Department. More than two centuries later, our commitment to protecting our neighbors continues. #YourFireDepartment

The best ingredient for a safe meal? Your attention. As #FirePreventionMonth continues, #YourFireDepartment reminds you to stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you need to step away, turn off the stove. A phone call, a knock at the door, or a quick distraction can pull you away. Make turning off the burner part of your routine before leaving the kitchen. Let’s keep dinner memorable for the right reasons. A safer #STLCity starts with all of us.

5800blk of Degiverville - Two story brick dwelling, heavy #fire extending through the roof. Exposure buildings on Sides B & D. Defensive operations underway. #STLCity Truck Company 30 is first due. Battalion 5 is in Command.

A battery that becomes unusually hot, swells, leaks, smells strange, or makes popping or hissing sounds is giving you a warning. Stop using the device. Keep this week’s lessons in your everyday routine: use the right charger, charge on a hard surface, and unplug when charging is complete. Small action. Big impact. A safer #STLCity starts with all of us. #YourFireDepartment #FirePreventionWeek #ChargeIntoSafety

🔌 Where you charge matters. Charging your phone, tablet, or gaming controller on a bed, couch, or pillow can trap heat and cause the battery to overheat. Choose a hard, flat surface, such as a desk or table. Keep devices uncovered and away from anything that can burn. Today, take a moment and check where everyone in your household charges their devices. Small action. Big impact. Protecting our community begins at home. #YourFireDepartment #FirePreventionWeek #ChargeIntoFireSafety #STLCity

After a #fire forced her from her home this morning in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, a moment of comfort came right there on the curb. Her unit in a multifamily dwelling sustained moderate damage, and for a time, her cats were unaccounted for. #Firefighters located them and reunited them with her. Sitting on the curb, she held them close after an already difficult morning. Caring for our neighbors includes understanding what matters most to them. Sometimes, that means helping bring a family back together, paws and all. #YourFireDepartment #ExcellenceForEveryone #STLCity

5200blk of Idaho - Truck Company 4B Dutchtown Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment

2400blk of Whittier - Truck Company 10 Homer G. Phillips Senior Apartments The Ville Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment

S. 12th & Allen - Truck Company 11B Soulard Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment

5200blk of Wells - Truck Company 13B Hamilton Heights Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment

4100blk of W. Florissant Truck Company 20B Hyde Park Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment

4100blk of Botanical - Truck Company 14B Shaw Historic District Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment

5200blk of Wilson - Rescue Squad 2B The Hill Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment

4100blk of Westminster Place Truck Company 29 Central West End Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment

5300blks of Tholozan & Lindenwood Hook & Ladder 3B North Hampton Neighborhood #NationalNightOut #NNO2026 #STLCity #YourFireDepartment