Prior to the establishment of Government Fire Brigades, they were private enterprises. Was it true that these private Fire Brigades have gangs accompanied them to beat up competitors so they can be one putting out the fire?

by Krelius

And did these street fights contribute to the decision to turn Fire Brigades into public organization?

Georgy_K_Zhukov

More can definitely be said, but I wrote a bit about this in an old Tuesday Trivia thread which should be of interest for you.