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On December 7th, 1736, the first organized fire department in the United States "Union Fire Company" was formed in the state of Pennsylvania by Benjamin Franklin. In a Pennsylvania Gazette article of 1733 Franklin noted how fires were being fought in Philadelphia. "Soon after it [a fire] is seen and cry'd out, the Place is crowded by active Men of different Ages, Professions and Titles who, as of one Mind and Rank, apply themselves with all Vigilance and Resolution, according to their Abilities, to the hard Work of conquering the increasing fire." Franklin suggested a "Club or Society of active Men belonging to each Fire Engine; whose Business is to attend all Fires with it whenever they happen." Visit Franklin's Philadelphia to read more about the rich history of the start of fire fighting in Pennsylvania.