Požární předpisy pro český venkov od 16. století do poloviny 18. století

Title in English Fire regulations for Czech countryside from the 16th to the middle 18th century
Authors

MALACH Roman

Year of publication 2013
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Folia ethnographica
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Arts

Citation
Field Archaeology, anthropology, ethnology
Keywords fire regulations; arson; night watchman; fire protection; serf duties
Description Based on the analysis of authority’s rules the paper describes the fire regulations in Czech rural areas in the period from the 16th to the middle 18th century. After a short introduction and the presentation of the rules in general it depicts the different situation in towns and in the country. Then it gives the survey of regulations that influenced the life of serfs in rural areas and concerned the fire protection. Drying spinning fibre in houses was prohibited and so was using of torches, taking glowing coal out to the pasturage, etc. The observance of the rules was overseen by a reeve who controlled - together with persons in charge - regularly each house. The night service of the watchman strengthened the safety in the village. If a fire occurred the serfs had to use the prescribed extinguishing equipment. Help to neighbour villages in extinguishing the fire and following help to those struck by it was usual and sometimes even ordered. After extinguishing the fire, its causes had to be investigated and the culprits punished.

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