The Historic Stillman Fires Collection is a rare and unique look at firemen training and public education films from over 50 years ago. The Stillman collection is the largest collection of fires and fire management in the world. A majority of the footage is silent and in black and white, but a few of the films have sound and color. For your viewing pleasure we have re-mastered and re-organized the collection into smaller wonderful sub-categories including: New York Fires, Fires from around the World, Ships on Fire, Demonstration Fires & Fireman Training, and everyones favorite, The Best of the Stillman Fires Collection. The entire Stillman collection is a must have for any true fire lover.
Included Films:
Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
Produced: 1940s
Length: 7 Minutes
This gem from the Stillman Fire Collection contains classic footage of old firefighters parading through the street as part of a large procession. Historic fire apparatus machines are on full display, making this an invaluably useful research tool to learning about vintage firefighting. A display of building climbing techniques caps off this great short film.
Company Response
Company Response
Produced: 1940s
Length: 13 Minutes
This is a phenomenal behind the scenes look at the Los Angeles Fire Department from the early 20th century. The film follows the process of firefighting, from the initial phone call all the way to safety parameters for driving the fire truck to the problem location. Interesting points are made throughout, like how the fire department doesnt know how serious a fire is when they get called and must prepare accordingly. This film is historical, educational, and fascinating.
Artificial Respiration
Artificial Respiration
Produced: 1927
Length: 11 Minutes
This vintage silent video demonstrates how to save someone who is suffocating by providing emergency first aid. This is called the Prone Pressure Method. One must put the victim on its stomach, straddle their body, and press on their back and up to try to simulate breathing. The film also details the different types of asphyxia. One cause of suffocation comes from gas asphyxiation. These usually happen on accident in a garage. It is important to start the Prone Pressure Method as soon as possible and have someone else go get medical help. The doctor may use a 95% air and 5% carbon mixture to get air reintroduced to the victim. The carbon is used to stimulate the body. Also, be sure to keep the victim warm. Electric shock is also a big problem. Paralysis many times comes from the shock. Use the same method and be sure to keep the victim on the ground. Their body may convulse. Fortunately, the asphyxiation videos arent too gruesome. Drowning victims should be the same. One way to make sure that your rhythm is correct is by saying, Out goes bad air, in comes good. Some people have been saved after three or four hours. Once again, keep the victim down and warm. While not exactly first aid training, these classic instructional videos are a fun look at the history of first aid and safety in America.
Industrial Fires
Industrial Fires
Produced: 1940s
Length: 12 Minutes
There are various reasons that industrial fires take place. Ten percent are from frictions, nine are from spontaneous ignitions, seven are from matches and smoking, seven are from overheating, five are from open flames, four are from cutting and welding, and 11 are from other things such as chemicals. There are ways to prevent these fires. Replacing open containers with closed ones is one way to cut the chances of a fire. Keeping incinerator doors closed will also stop the spread of fire. Protect fuses and light bulbs. Gasoline should be use carefully. It is highly flammable.Fire is a direct result of rapid oxidation. Rust would be considered the opposite. Fire relies on oxygen. While sawdust bits will have an explosive reaction with fire, a heap of sawdust will burn rather slowly. Gas tends to burn well, especially hydrogen.The rest of the video, which probably should be the first video of this series, was about industrial fires. 25 percent of industrial fires come from electrical problems, 12 come from foreign substances in the stock, and spark and embers cause ten percent. Keep motors well lubricated. Secure fuse boxes. Scrap metal might create a spark. Workers must be careful of all these possibilities.
Fire Department Demonstrations
Fire Department Demonstrations
Produced: 1940s
Length: 11 Minutes
This classic educational firefighting film demonstrates what firefighting technology was like in the 1920s. Though silent, the film features the vintage equipment in action.
Typical Fire
Typical Fire
Produced: 1940s
Length: 12 Minutes
This curious vintage firefighting film specifically focuses on fire hoses, their effectiveness, and possible improvements that can be made to them. The main issue is that the water hits the ceiling and not the floor of the building. The film details various possible solutions and tests them on models. This is a funky old video.
FDNY High Nozzle Spray
FDNY High Nozzle Spray
Produced: 1940s
Length: 5 Minutes
This fascinating 1920s film examines a new firefighting gizmo that never caught on. This Rube-Goldbergesque apparatus is amazing to see in action and would appear to be more effective than a conventional nozzle. The Conran Monorail Nozzle System, however, was deemed impractical.
Flexible Cellar Pipe
Flexible Cellar Pipe
Produced: 1940s
Length: 9 Minutes
In the world of firefighting, new and more effective technology can be the difference between life and death. This classic silent film examines what was the latest firefighting invention of the day: the Flexible Cellar Pipe fire hose nozzle. Developed by a deputy fire chief by the name of Joseph OHanlon of the NYFD, this new invention made it possible for firefighters to attack fires with less personal risk. The film includes several demonstrations and explanations, making it a wonderful way to see great inventions and vintage firefighting in action.
