refectures are small buildings which train employees to be prefects, or watchmen. These prefects are sent out to patrol the streets near the prefecture. As they pass a building, they put out any loose sparks or dangerous cooking fires they find, reducing the risk of that building catching fire. The longer a building goes without being passed by a prefect, the more likely it is to catch fire. The Risk of Fire overlay report shows this very clearly (see Page 160, Overlays, for more information about Overlays.)

When buildings do catch fire, whether naturally or from a criminal's torch, nearby prefects spring into action. They grab the nearest buckets of water that they can find, then carry them to the burning structure and throw the water over the fire to put out the flames. A larger burning building needs more water, and takes longer to put out, than a smaller one.

Fires spread very easily, so it is important to put them out as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to have a good number of prefectures scattered throughout your city, which should ensure that whenever a fire does break out, a prefect will be close enough to put it out quickly.

Prefects can't prevent crime, but they do play a critical role in resolving crime when it does b reak out. If a prefect sees angry citizens protesting on the street, he approaches them and persuades them to cease their protests. If the prefect encounters rioters, he will attack and kill them.

Prefectures need road access and labor, but have a negative effect on the desirability of a small area around them.