What replaced firefighters in moving equipment to the fireground with steam-powered pumps in the mid-1800s?

In the mid-1800s, the introduction of steam-powered pumps significantly changed firefighting methods, particularly in the movement of firefighting equipment to the scene of a fire. Horses became the primary means of transportation for these pumps and associated gear, effectively replacing mules and oxen that had been used previously.

Horses were favored due to their speed, strength, and relatively lower maintenance needs compared to other animals. They were able to pull heavier equipment, such as steam-powered fire engines, more efficiently and quickly than mules or oxen, which were slower and less agile. This increased speed allowed firefighters to respond to emergencies more effectively, improving the overall response time to fires.

By the time motorized vehicles later took over, the use of horses had already established a precedent of efficiency in firefighting logistics that was crucial during that era. The adoption of horses marked a significant technological advancement in the firefighting industry, paving the way for future innovations in emergency response.