旧时重庆,地势陡峭,房屋依山层叠,气候春燥夏炎,自古以来火害严重,史书中屡有记载。而且,重庆特殊的地形还限制了水源的取给,城市虽临大江大河,却远水救不了近火。每有火灾发生,必酿成重大损失。自清末以来,重庆地方政府和市民鉴于惨痛的教训,很重视火灾的预防和扑救。1883年,知府唐翼祖、知县国璋下令城厢内48坊厢设立水会,由绅商出钱或 Old Chongqing, steep terrain, houses stacked on the mountain, the climate spring and summer inflammation, serious fire damage since ancient times, history books have repeatedly recorded. Moreover, the special terrain in Chongqing also limits the availability of water, although the city is facing the great rivers, but far water can not save near fire. Every fire occurs, will cause significant losses. Since the end of the Qing Dynasty, in view of the bitter lessons, local governments and citizens in Chongqing have attached great importance to the prevention and suppression of fires. In 1883, prefect TANG Yi-zu, magistrate Guozhang ordered Chengxiang 48 square box set up water will be by gentry or money