The first fire depot on Kazakh land was opened 161 years ago in the city of Oral. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Today, many fire stations are being built in Kazakhstan. The first fire depot on Kazakh land was opened 161 years ago in the city of Oral. At that time, firefighters transported water on horse-drawn carts, and the location of a fire was determined from a special tower.
A Sputnik Kazakhstan correspondent visited the history of the first fire depot on Kazakh land.
The Shilikha fire
Previously, many Cossacks and merchants lived in the city of Oral. Most of the houses were built of wood, and the streets were narrow. As a result, fires often occurred in the city.
In 1751, a devastating fire occurred in the city. According to legend, this event was called the "Shilikha fire." The fire allegedly started from the house of a local healer woman named Shilikha. That year, the city almost completely burned down. Residents fled along the narrow streets toward the banks of the Zhaiyk and Shagan rivers.
Operation of the first depot
The first fire depot on Kazakh land was opened in 1865. At that time, firefighters transported water on horse-drawn carts, and the location of a fire was determined from a special tower. This depot played an important role in ensuring the fire safety of the city.