A detailed history published in Works in Progress recounts how the Van der Heyden brothers transformed firefighting in 17th century Amsterdam. Jan van der Heyden, an artist and engineer, designed a flexible leather hose that could deliver water from canals to burning buildings. His brother Nicolaes, a hydraulics expert, helped develop the organizational structure for a municipal fire brigade.
The system replaced the chaotic bucket brigades of the era with a coordinated response network. Amsterdam's firefighting innovation became a model for other European cities, significantly reducing the devastation from urban fires. The article highlights how public-private collaboration and mechanical ingenuity drove this civic advancement.
Key features included specialized fire engines, organized water supply chains, and standardized equipment. The brothers also introduced the use of ladders and hooks for rescues and demolition to prevent fire spread. Their approach cut the average time to extinguish a blaze from hours to minutes in many cases.
The system's success relied on continuous improvement and city investment. However, critics at the time questioned the cost of maintaining the new equipment and paid firefighters, arguing for cheaper, voluntary methods. The article notes that Amsterdam's adoption of a professional service ultimately influenced fire departments globally.
While historical accounts often credit individual inventors, the Van der Heyden story underscores that systemic change requires both technological innovation and institutional will. The full essay explores how this 300-year-old innovation still echoes in modern firefighting practices.