The problems of urban improvement and fire safety in the Volga region in the first half of the XIX century (on materials of Saratov, Simbirsk and Penza provinces)

The article covers problems of urban improvement in provincial towns in pre reform Russia. Some aspects of functioning of municipal economy are analyzed. The author shows the ways of organization of fire commands, efficiency of their activity in the Volga region towns. The measures of fire safety are characterized. The author also analyzes kinds of help for homeless fire victims most typical for the first half of the XIX century.