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Fire in Danbury Street, Islington, N1
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Fire in Danbury Street, Islington, N1
Fire in Danbury Street, Islington, N1, with people trapped, on 25 May 1958. Showing the side of the building, with a shop at ground level, and a window above (marked B) from which Doris Whitaker escaped onto the flat roof. Date: 1958
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Media ID 14158595
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
1958 Adults Appliance Bond Brooke Danbury Doris Escape Escaped Flat Grocer Groceries Grocery Islington Ladder Level Lyons Roof Safety Trapped Whitaker Windows Firefighter Firefighters Firefighting Fireman Firemen
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Fire in Danbury Street, Islington, N1: A Snapshot of a Tragic 1950s London Fire This evocative photograph captures the aftermath of a devastating fire that broke out in Danbury Street, Islington, on 25 May 1958. The image shows the charred side of a building with a shop at ground level and a window above, marked 'B'. This was the window from which Doris Whitaker, an adult, escaped onto the flat roof, saving her life and those of her children. The fire, which engulfed several houses on the street, was a tragic reminder of the realities of urban living in post-war London. The 1950s were a time of housing shortages, with many people living in cramped and often poorly maintained properties. The fire, which destroyed several homes, brought the community together in a show of solidarity and resilience. The photograph offers a glimpse into the past, with the side of the building revealing the various shops that once lined the street. Among them, a grocer's shop with a Lyons Tea display in the window, and a Brooke Bond grocery. The pavement outside is filled with onlookers, including children, who have gathered to witness the scene unfolding before them. In the foreground, a London Fire Brigade engine and appliance can be seen, with firefighters and firemen busy at work, using ladders to reach those trapped in the upper floors. The fire brigade's quick response and bravery saved many lives that day, demonstrating the vital role they play in keeping Londoners safe. This photograph is a poignant reminder of a bygone era, a time of community spirit and the importance of safety and emergency services. It also highlights the progress that has been made in housing standards and fire safety regulations since the 1950s.
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