Fire-fighting began with permanent settlement and building of houses - at first as self-help, which developed into organised fire-fighting (at the beginning in districts and later in municipalities) as well as fire-precaution. To take care of organised rescuing and putting out fires, the state adopted laws. The Fire Regulations, passed in 1857, demanded of all capable citizen to cooperate in rescuing and putting out fires. It had also foreseen fire-watch ing and punishments for law-breakers of the Fire Regulations. Setting on fire was considered a crime - the punishments could have been high or low, depending on the damage caused and the number of lives threatened; for setting on fire with severe consequences one could have been convicted to capital punishment. After the adoption of law on societies in 1867, the first fire brigades were becing established, which, with the support of municipalities, dealt with rescuing and putting out fires. The Celje Voluntary Fire Brigade (Society) was established in 1871. Fire-fighting as organised activity was regulated by the Fire Law in 1886, which foresaw the organisation of fire precaution as public or private institution, which main tasks were the saving of lives and property.