Tom Scott: Things You Might Not Know

Why 18th-Century Firefighters Let Some Buildings Burn (2021x3)

Air date: Feb 08, 2021

We take it for granted in the UK that if a fire breaks out, you can call firefighters, and they will try to put it out and save lives. In the 18th century, that wasn't guaranteed. If your building didn't have a fire mark, they might just let it burn. The reason: fire insurance, and fire insurance companies.