Photo firefighter of the volunteer fire brigade

In addition to professional fire brigades, which were subordinated to the interior Ministry, in pre-revolutionary Russia since the end of XIX century there were numerous volunteer fire companies, each of which is formed one or more fire brigades. Their spread was caused by the rapid economic growth in post-reform Russia. In the field of small villages or even in deserted areas grew new businesses – mines, mills and factories, around which was formed the workers settlement. Around the house there were shops and warehouses, emergency rooms and hospitals, enterprises and public utilities. The workers settlement became a full-fledged cities. They all, of course, needed protection from fire, but the possibility of the state Treasury simply not kept pace with rapid economic growth. Therefore, for large factories, plants, and just in large towns began to emerge and voluntary fire brigades. The money to build the fire shed, the purchase of horses and equipment, as well as on the organization of duty and service alerts usually either gave merchants and manufacturers (directly concerned to save their property). "Released," i.e. constantly served for a salary was the only key employees of militia – the chief and his closest aides. Most warriors were trained in fire business in their spare time, and was to the Assembly point only when necessary in case of fire. In the absence of professional fire brigades voluntary squad was the only way out, so their organization is continuously improved. In 1892 was founded the Russian fire society, designed to coordinate the work of all voluntary fire societies. Since 1901, it was given the name of the Imperial Russian fire society and higher patronage of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich. By 1914, the society brings together more than 3.5 thousand fire organizations. In 1893 it was developed by the "normal rules" for voluntary fire companies, establishing the basic principles of their work. Membership in the societies were of no material benefit; in addition, it required persons who are able to donate money to the fire Department. As a moral incentive for first was developed uniforms with insignia, and for a second – the whole system of distinctive signs fire companies. Form voluntary fire brigades usually consisted of a dark green or dark blue jacket with the same color pants, trimmed with edgings of light blue. The jacket could have belted fabric sash Lancer type (from basic stripes and light blue fabric) or leather firefighter belt. The wealth of decoration of the outfit was determined by the financial possibilities of this particular society. So, squads richer bought for the shape buttons coinage (composition from the helmet of firefighters and guns), and those that are poorer were content with smooth. Prohibits the use of insignia that could be confused with the army. Therefore, as shoulder marks on a voluntary squads usually used narrow shoulder straps, woven from blue cord and resembles the insignia of the MVD. Individuals who served in the squad in certain positions, on top of the cords were worn metal Gomby (ring). Holonym ceremonial headdress served copper hat, casual cap. Summer clothing could be made of white linen. Each combatant sought to acquire the badge, as a rule, typical composition (a fire helmet in a wreath, sometimes supplemented by letters – the abbreviation of the squads). The purchase of such a sign was at the same time as a charitable contribution in cash of the squad. For many of those who have never been in the government service, membership in the squad was the only chance to flaunt in beautiful shape, they are widely used.