Tools of the Trade
The equipment the Vigiles used consisted of quilts or mats, (most likely soaked in water and used to smother flames) ladders, axes, fire buckets made of rope treated with pitch, poles and hooks to push and pull fire damaged walls over and even a type of fire extinguisher.
This graphic shows some of the tools that were used to fight fires during ancient times. It is amazing to think that thousands of years ago in Ancient Rome, tools were used that are similar to the tools firefighters use today, such as ladders, hooks, poles and axes.
