Historic Horse-Drawn Fire Pumps Impress at Czech Competition
Translated from Czech, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Firefighters demonstrated the functionality of historic "horse-drawn" water pumps, known as "koňky."
- These vintage machines, over a century old, are still in excellent working condition.
- The event in Jamy attracted 21 teams from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.
In Jamy, located in the Žďár nad Sázavou district, firefighters showcased the enduring capabilities of historical firefighting equipment. The event highlighted the "koňské stříkačky," or "koňky," which are horse-drawn water pumps. Despite being well over a century old, these machines are meticulously maintained and demonstrated their operational readiness, functioning "like clockwork."
The demonstration served as a testament to the quality of traditional craftsmanship and the dedication of volunteer firefighters. The "koňky" represent a significant piece of firefighting history, and their continued functionality underscores the value placed on preserving such heritage. The event emphasized the practical application of these historical tools, proving their effectiveness even today.
The competition drew considerable attention, attracting twenty-one teams from across the Czech Republic. The appeal of the event extended beyond national borders, with participants also arriving from Slovakia and Poland. This international participation highlights the shared interest in historical firefighting techniques and camaraderie among fire brigades in the region.
Originally published by iDNES in Czech. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.