This constant vigilance marked a radical new culture in Tehran’s public services. Here was a group of men whose lives were not measured by the rhythm of bazaar hours or seasonal work, but by the relentless possibility of fire.
Life Inside the Firehouse
The reporter’s narrative lingers on the daily life of the firefighters. Each man had a bed, with his modest belongings arranged in two large halls of the station. There was no luxury, only practicality.
But their style of sleep fascinated the reporter: the men lay down in their special firefighting clothes, half their bodies already prepared for sudden action. Their feet touched the floor, so that the instant the alarm sounded, they could leap up without fumbling for shoes or uniforms.
The firefighters were divided into two groups. The first group was the immediate response unit; the second was a reserve force. When the first group rushed out, the second group assumed their place, maintaining a cycle of uninterrupted readiness. Each hall contained thirty-five beds, filled with men who, even in slumber, never fully relaxed.
This culture of readiness was entirely new to Tehran. It impressed upon readers the seriousness of the profession, the sacrifice required, and the discipline instilled by the fire chief.
