Though Edo had a designated fire brigade, the Hikeshi (火消し, "fire extinguisher"), it had been established only 21 years earlier, and was simply not large enough, experienced enough, or well-equipped enough to face such a conflagration.
Though Edo had a designated fire brigade, the Hikeshi (火消し) was established only 21 years ago and was insufficiently equipped, experienced, or sized to handle such a significant fire.