Limiting and Preventing Fires The Building Police in the Republic of Geneva (1670–1798)

Fire posed a considerable threat to Ancien Régime cities. In Geneva, after the great fire of 1670, the authorities quickly and massively invested in combating fire. Prevention fell partly under the responsibility of the building police. From the end of the 17th century, the magistrates took care to regulate construction. This research focuses on prevention policy based on the regulation of the built environment in Geneva.