ABSTRACT
The word comes from the old couvre feu, and the primary purpose appears to have been the prevention of conflagrations arising from domestic fires left burning at night. An Act respecting party-walls, and for the more effectual preventing mischiefs by fire; and for extending the provisions of this act, so far as relates to manufactories of pitch throughout England. ‘A dreadful fire broke out, at the King’s Theatre, in the Hay-market. The fire began in that part of the house, the stage, which is called the fly. Senior managers are required to formulate safety policy, and surely none more senior than the saintly King Louis IX whose ship caught fire on his return to France after the Seventh Crusade in 1254. The engine driver, rightly looking ahead, was unaware of the fire raging behind him, and the guard was unable to attract his attention despite frantic shouting and arm waving.
