Trending

LCC- MFB Blackheath fire station

Blackheath fire station, located at Brigade Street, Tranquil Vale, SE3 (very near the Mary Evans Picture Library), with the escape ladder stored at the side. On the roof of the station can be seen the telegraph aerial connecting the station to the headquarters at Southwark. Also on the roof and overhanging the side of the building are the pulleys to which the hoses are attached, raised on ropes, where they are allowed to dry. The building still stands today.

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-LFB Shand Mason motor steam fire engine

The motor steam fire engine with independent pumping and propelling engines was developed later than the Merryweather Fire King self-propelled steam engine. Developed in 1909 with its oil burning boiler to a double-cylinder reversing engine its first sale was to the London Fire Brigade. The chain drive, from the engine, can be clearly seen attached to the axle of the rear wheel. Seen here at London Fire Brigade headquarters, Southwark SE1.

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-MFB Kennington fire station, London SE11

Built by the Metropolitan Board of Works (the forerunner of the London County Council) and opened in 1870, Kennington fire station was located in Refrew Road, Lower Kennington, Lambeth where it still stands. In 1918 two of its firemen were killed in a building blaze on the Albert Embankment. The adoption of motorised fire engines by the LFB led to a reduction in the number of stations required, and 15 were closed down in 1920, Kennington being one of them.

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library