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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

Fire at 298 Old Brompton Road, London SW5

Fire at 298 Old Brompton Road, London SW5, 25 February 1956. An escape ladder is extended to the second floor, with Sub Officer Kirby of A9 Fulham carrying a 19-month-old child, Dennis Norman McGowan, down in his arms, and Sub Officer Temple following. The child had been left in his cot in the front room before the fire started. At this stage the strings of the ladder were smouldering which, together with the heat and smoke from the shop, made the situation extremely dangerous. The child's mother waits in the foreground to be reunited with her son.

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LFDCA-LFB Vintage fire engine at Clapham fire station

A former Middlesex Fire Brigade pump escape at Clapham fire station. Middlesex was absorbed into the enlarged London Fire Brigade in 1965 with the creation of the Greater London Council. This Dennis dual-purpose appliance was restored by fire service enthusiasts and used at displays and open days. Seen here to the right of Clapham's modern day pump.

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library