When Lisbon Burned - Who Fought the Fire in 1755?

On November 1, 1755, Lisbon faced a catastrophic earthquake followed by devastating fires. Despite having firefighting resources, the city was overwhelmed. Historical accounts reveal that Lisbon had developed firefighting methods over centuries, but the disaster exposed significant vulnerabilities. The earthquake destroyed infrastructure and hampered firefighting efforts, leading to widespread chaos. Although the city had tools and personnel, they were insufficient against the scale of the disaster. The aftermath saw the evolution of firefighting services, culminating in the establishment of the Lisbon Fire Brigade. The legacy of those who fought the flames in 1755 continues to influence modern firefighting in the city.