Hose Gallery

LCC-LFB Fire display at Brigade HQ Southwark

The London Fire Brigade encouraged, for very many years, a good public image by opening its doors to the public to special fire brigade displays. On Saturday afternoons, during the summer months, it was a regular feature to see displays at the Southwark Headquarters. As the picture shows it drew large, and frequently a boater-hatted, crowds. A motorised fire engine works two firefighting jets, while a turntable ladder is fully extended to the top of the drill tower. Where there was space to stand and watch the public took every opportunity to do so

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-LFB changeover from brass to cork fire helmets

Two firemen in the foreground wearing new style cork helmets and Proto Mark IV breathing apparatus sets. The man on the right is from Station 34, Shadwell, whilst the man on the left is from Station 4, Chelsea. In the background are London firefighters still wearing the old style brass helmet. The new style cork helmet was gradually being phased in

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-LFB fatal warehouse fire, Langley Street WC2

Three firemen died fighting this blaze in a Covent Garden warehouse in Langley Street. The first crews to arrive, from Clerkenwell fire station, found the warehouse well alight. The building was heavily smoke-logged. As the crews entered the building the roof collapsed with fatal consequences. Station Officer Hawkins and fireman Batt-Rawden were both killed by the fall of debris. Fireman Gadd died later as a result of his injuries. Shown here are crews continuing to extinguish the fire within the shell of the collapsed warehouse

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library