Q What is the origin and history of fire departments in the United States?

A: American fire brigades started in the earliest European settlements in North America, as the result of volunteer efforts. One of the first fire brigades on record dates from 1658, when officials in the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, now New York City, organized the “Prowlers.” The Prowlers’ job was to patrol the streets between nine at night and sunrise, looking for fires. Originally numbering eight men, the brigade soon grew to include more than 50 members. To help the brigade in the event of a fire, the residents of New Amsterdam were required to leave three buckets of water on their doorsteps after sunset. Even as an increasing number of citizens ignored the bucket laws, others took it upon themselves to form volunteer fire companies. In many cases, these companies limited their membership to community leaders, and also functioned as social and political clubs.

The first of these volunteer companies, the Boston Fire Society, was formed in 1717. The most noteworthy, however, was Benjamin Franklin’s Union Fire Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1736.

With the passing of time and with new technologies, firefighting became much more sophisticated. By the end of the 18th century, many cities had instituted stringent rules to govern the training that firefighters received and the methods they employed.

Q What are northern lights and when can they be seen?

A: With autumn here and the days getting shorter, you may think there is less activity in the skies. Yet, this is one of the best times to view the aurora borealis – the northern lights. This display of fantastic colors is the reaction of energized solar winds that result in bands of light that appear near the poles and light up the skies. They are most visible around the equinoxes (late March and late September).

Q Is it possible to take pictures of the northern lights?

A: Yes. If you wish to capture this phenomenon on film, the best equipment to use is a camera that permits you to make long exposures (10 seconds or more) and a tripod to hold the camera still during exposures.

Q What is the most popular street name in the United States?

A: Even though Main Street seems to be very popular, according to many sources, Second Street is the most common street name in the United States. The second most popular street name is Park, followed by Third, Fourth and Fifth streets.

Q We all hear the term “zodiac,” but I’m not sure what it really means. Can you tell me?

A: Zodiac has both an astronomical definition as well as an astrological meaning. The astronomical zodiac is a circular zone on the celestial sphere, centered on the ecliptic and extending in width to about 9 degrees on either side. It represents the path of the principal planets, the moon and the sun.

In astrology, this band is divided into 12 equal zones, each of 30 degrees, called the signs of the zodiac. Each zone was originally named for the constellation occupying that zone.

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