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London Fire Brigade Fire King appliance with crew
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London Fire Brigade Fire King appliance with crew
A London Fire Brigade Fire King appliance with crew. In 1899 Merryweather of Greenwich modified its steamer pumps to also propel the vehicle, and thus Londons first non-horse-drawn fire engines arrived. Unfortunately the Fire Kings, as they were called, were slow (12 mph maximum) and cumbersome to steer. Stopping was also a problem as they weighed 5.5 tons
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Media ID 7639765
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
Appliance Appliances Crew Crews Cumbersome Drawn Engines Kings Merryweather Modified Propel Pumps Slow Steamer Steer Vehicles Firefighter Firefighters Firefighting Fireman Firemen
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases a London Fire Brigade Fire King appliance with its dedicated crew, marking an essential milestone in firefighting history. In 1899, Merryweather of Greenwich revolutionized the fire service by modifying their steam-powered pumps to propel the vehicle, resulting in London's first non-horse-drawn fire engines. However, these Fire Kings, as they came to be known, presented several challenges. Despite their innovative design, they were relatively slow, with a maximum speed of only 12 mph, and steering them was a cumbersome task. Additionally, their significant weight of 5.5 tons made stopping a formidable challenge. The Edwardian era Fire King appliance in this photograph, taken around 1905, represents the transition from horse-drawn carriages to motorized vehicles in the London Fire Brigade's fleet. The crew, dressed in their protective gear and helmets, are poised and ready to respond to any emergency. The Fire King appliance, with its powerful steam-powered pump and newfound mobility, would have been a vital asset in the city's firefighting efforts. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the early days of motorized fire engines and the brave firemen who operated them. The London Fire Brigade's adoption of this technology marked a significant advancement in firefighting capabilities and paved the way for the modern fire engines we know today.
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