Fire drills are now an integral part of modern safety protocols in workplaces, schools and public buildings, but their origins can be traced back to the earliest attempts to prevent catastrophic fires and protect human life. The concept of a fire drill, involving the systematic evacuation of a building or environment during a simulated emergency, has evolved over centuries as societies have become more urbanized and fire hazards have grown.
Early history: All fire and no drills
The history of fire drills begins with the rise of cities in the ancient world. As early as ancient Rome, fire posed a serious threat, as houses were made of flammable materials, and firefighting technology was primitive. Organized fire brigades, such as Rome’s Vigiles – established by Emperor Augustus around 6 AD – were responsible for responding to fires, but the concept of an organized, practiced evacuation wasn’t yet present. In fact, early fire safety was reactive rather than proactive; fires were fought once they started, but little thought was given to organized evacuation plans.
It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution, when urban populations soared and factories with hazardous conditions became widespread, that the idea of preemptive fire safety, including drills, began to take shape. Factory fires were common, and high death tolls from blazes like the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City in 1911, where 146 workers, mostly young women, died because of locked exits and unsafe conditions, underscored the need for better fire evacuation procedures.
Read more | Mega-warehouse fires: We can’t throw the baby out with the sprinkler water
The evolution of fire drills
The earliest fire drills, as we know them, originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely in response to these deadly industrial fires. Following high-profile disasters, fire safety laws were enacted that mandated proper exits, alarm systems and, eventually, fire drills in schools, factories and other large buildings.
In schools, the introduction of fire drills is partially credited to Edward F. Croker, the fire chief of the New York Fire Department from 1899 to 1911. Croker was a fire safety pioneer, and his advocacy led to widespread adoption of school fire drills, emphasizing the importance of teaching children how to respond quickly and safely in the event of a fire. The idea was to prevent panic and ensure that children and staff could evacuate in an orderly manner. By the early 20th century, school fire drills had become mandatory in many cities across the United States.
In 1958, a fire broke out at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago, which killed 92 students and three nuns. The disaster led to significant reforms in school fire safety, including more stringent fire drill requirements and better safety infrastructure in schools.
Read more | A failure of imagination: The Our Lady of the Angels School tragedy
As fire safety continued to evolve, fire drills became a regular part of safety protocols in schools and workplaces worldwide. The introduction of modern fire alarm systems, smoke detectors and building codes in the 1960s and 1970s helped shape how fire drills were conducted. These drills shifted from being rare, reactionary measures, to a routine practice aimed at preparing people for a swift and safe evacuation.
WATCH | An elementary school models a fire drill in 1953
Fire drills in the modern era
Today, fire drills are a standard requirement in schools, workplaces, hospitals and public buildings across the world. In most places, fire codes dictate how often fire drills should be conducted and these are typically overseen by fire marshals or safety officers. Modern fire drills serve several purposes: they familiarize occupants with escape routes, help practice the use of fire safety equipment and evaluate the effectiveness of a building’s fire safety plan.
In workplaces, fire drills also serve to educate staff on the roles of fire wardens and evacuation leaders, ensuring that everyone knows their responsibilities during an emergency. Buildings with vulnerable populations, such as hospitals and nursing homes, often conduct more frequent fire drills due to the added complexity of evacuating patients who may be immobile.
Fire drill trivia
- Every shift gets a drill: In healthcare facilities, fire drills must be conducted quarterly on each shift to ensure readiness at all hours. Hospitals face unique challenges with evacuating patients, so drills help staff practice safe, efficient patient movement during emergencies.
- Sweep everyone out: Some business or organizations that operate in large buildings utilize sweepers, who do a sweep of each floor after an evacuation to ensure no one is left behind.
- Debrief for safety: A standard part of U.S. fire drill protocol includes a post-drill debrief with participants to assess what went well and what could be improved. This feedback helps refine evacuation plans and correct issues, and may lead to retraining if necessary
A key part of fire safety history
Fire drills are a safety practice that evolved significantly over time, from reactive firefighting strategies in ancient civilizations, to sophisticated, planned evacuations in today’s urban environments. With a strong foundation rooted in history and continuous improvements in technology and fire safety codes, fire drills remain one of the most effective tools in preventing loss of life during fires. Their evolution highlights the progress of fire safety and their role in ensuring that people are prepared to face emergencies calmly and efficiently.
