In 1896, the town of Saint-Laurent-du-Var, then home to 1366 inhabitants, took a significant step in its firefighting efforts by acquiring a new hand-operated pump. The previous pump, an old model, was considered "of perfectly illusory help," particularly during the fire that destroyed the TOESCA factories some years prior, as stated in a municipal council deliberation from November 19, 1892.
A quote for a two-cylinder suction and discharge hand pump, along with its cart and essential accessories such as an axe, rope, studded leather hose, nozzle, and 50 canvas buckets for a human chain water supply, had been established as early as September 15, 1892. However, it wasn't until 1896 that the purchase was officially made, partly thanks to a 200 franc subsidy from the departmental commission. The contract with PIN frères of Nice had been signed on August 25.
The municipal council's deliberation on September 4, 1896, approving the purchase, was sanctioned by Prefect Arsène HENRY on October 13, 1896. The delivery of the fire pump by MM. PIN Frères was finally certified by the mayor of Saint-Laurent-du-Var on January 8, 1898, confirming its perfect functioning.
The article recalls the difficult conditions of firefighting at the end of the 19th century, where towns often relied on the local population and a "human chain" to supply pumps, with occasional assistance from military garrisons. The pump, maintained by the municipal plumber, was activated by the church bell.
The author, Alain Bertolo, mentions finding the original plan of this pump at the Departmental Archives of the Alpes-Maritimes over twenty years ago, highlighting the determination of people at the time to protect themselves against fire.
