Boy Scouts Practicing a Fire Drill, Early 1900s

This group photo shows the Boy Scouts with a Fire Marshall who was most likely, giving them a fire prevention talk. The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910, and from the beginning, fire safety was an important part of the program. Scouts were taught to be prepared for emergencies and to take appropriate action in case of a fire, including learning how to evacuate a building safely and how to call for help. Fire drills in the early 1900s simulated a fire emergency, during which Scouts would practice evacuating a building or camping area and assembling in a designated safe area. The drills would have emphasized the importance of following established evacuation procedures and staying calm in the event of a real fire. In addition to fire drills, Boy Scouts in the early 1900s also learned about fire prevention, including the dangers of playing with fire and the importance of following safety regulations. These skills and knowledge would have helped to prepare Scouts for real emergencies and to keep themselves and others safe.   Scouting History Timeline