Fire Axe

The fire axe is arguably one of the most recognizable tools used by fire fighters. The versatile tool used by firefighters for various tasks including, gaining access to and control fires, and to perform rescues. The fire axe dates back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples found in ancient Rome and Greece. During the Great Fire of London in 1666, fire axes were an essential tool for firefighters attempting to contain the blaze, with them being used to demolish buildings and create firebreaks to stop the spread of the flames. In the 1700s, early American volunteer firefighters adopted the fire axe as one of their main tools, which helped them force entry into burning structures and assisted in ventilation and demolition efforts. Early fire axes often had a spike or pick on the back for prying, but this gave way to flat heads with sharpened blades for chopping. The long handle was popularized during this period as well, giving firefighters greater leverage and reach.

As major cities began establishing professional, standardized fire departments in the mid-to-late 1800s. Fire axes became an essential part of their rescue equipment and tools. As firefighting tactics advanced in the 20th century, so too did the design of the fire axe. With specialized axe heads like the pick head were introduced to penetrate walls and roofs more and the double bit axe to provide two cutting edges for versatility. \

This axe is constructed out of a steel head and a wooden handle painted black, a design to allow for strength and versatility. Other uses include; using the pick end to create purchase points for other tools, like hydraulic spreaders, during forcible entry. Serving as a door chock or wedge during forcible entry, clearing brush and creating firebreaks in wildland firefighting, and poking around smoke filled rooms to find survivors/victims. One of these axes would usually cost between $20 and $50, depending on the quality and brand or $334.26 to $835.65 today.

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