What are the oldest fire departments?

The oldest known fire department is the Ancient Roman "Cohortes Vigilum," established around 6 AD, responsible for fire-fighting and maintaining public safety. In the United States, the first organized fire department was formed in New Amsterdam (now New York City) in 1648. Another notable early fire department is the "Bucket Brigade," established in London in the 1660s, which utilized buckets to fight fires before the advent of modern firefighting techniques and equipment.