Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
SALVAGE CORPS
SALVAGE CORPS. Following a rash of fires in 1901, consideration was made to follow the example of other cities and establish a salvage corps. This group of men would be drawn from the fire department and would go to each fire with the department. While at the fire, the duty of the salvage corps would be to protect as much from damage by fire or water as possible. In addition to covering material with tarpaulins, the salvage corps would carry as much from the site of the fire as possible. The corps would be supported by the insurance companies which had the most to gain from saving material from destruction.
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Source:
"A Salvage Corps," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, July 5, 1901, p. 12