Breathing Apparatus Gallery

LFCDA-LFB Recruits undergoing basic training

Located at Southwark Bridge Road, SE1, the London Fire Brigade Training School is responsible for providing basic training to all its recruit firefighters. This intensive course delivers all aspects of the skills and knowledge for a firefighter to progress to become a probationer and start work at a fire station. The second part of the recruit course consolidates individual elements and the picture shows them combining breathing apparatus, ladder work and hose drills in a simulated fire exercise

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-LFB first emergency tender crew, Clerkenwell

It was more a dedicated breathing apparatus fire engine but is deemed to be the forerunner of the emergency tenders. This fire engine also had a petrol engine generator to supply the electric floodlights it also carried. This fire engine was based at Clerkenwell fire station. It soon proved its worth and improved enclosed models followed and the days of the emergency tender were born. The picture shows firemen wearing the Proto one hour self contained oxygen The crew are wearing the Proto breathing apparatus introduced from 1908

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library