Where did the first American fireboat, a hand-rowed barge mounted with hand-pumped Engine 42, go into operation?

The first American fireboat, known as Engine 42, went into operation in New York. This historical development marked a significant advancement in firefighting capabilities, particularly in urban areas where waterway access could be utilized for combating fires along the waterfront. New York's extensive network of rivers and harbor, along with the increasing need for effective fire suppression methods during the industrial age, made it an ideal location for the introduction of specialized fireboats. The use of a hand-rowed barge equipped with fire-fighting technology set a precedent for future developments in firefighting marine technology.