Why have most cities eliminated wired telegraph fire alarm boxes from the streets?

The elimination of wired telegraph fire alarm boxes from the streets largely stems from the availability of telephones and the expense associated with maintaining the older systems. With the widespread adoption of telephones, it became much more convenient for individuals to report fires directly to emergency services, thereby making the reliance on outdated, wired systems less practical.

Additionally, testing and maintaining those wired telegraph systems can be costly. Cities weighed the costs of keeping these antiquated systems functional against the benefits provided by more modern methods of fire reporting. The ability to use telephones, which are already in widespread use, provided a more reliable and immediate means of communication, which gradually rendered the telegraph fire alarm boxes obsolete.

While advancements in technology and reduced effectiveness are contributing factors, the combination of telephonic communication and financial considerations was a significant driving force behind the shift away from these outdated systems.