why did benjamin franklin start the first fire department?

Answer 1

The strict fire and building codes we have today were unknown in eighteenth century America. Most houses were built of wood and heated by open hearths and fireplaces. The danger of fire raging throughout a town or city was ever present.
Franklin suggested that Philadelphia should have fire-fighting clubs modeled after the ones in Boston. After writing about it in the Gazette and discussing it with members of the Junto, he organized the Union Fire Company, which was incorporated in 1736.

Answer 2

Yes he started the union fire brigade, they were civil servants for their community, but there was no pay at that time. They were volunteers. People were organized back then to donate to their communities their time to help their neighbors to better their communities. Ben Franklin was also the First Postmaster General.

Answer 3

Two answers suggest themselves:
1. To put out fires

2. So the colonists would have a place to sit around, eat chili,
and play pinochle.
Is there more to your question? I don't know what else to say.