Images Dated 6th December 2011

LCC-LFB Islington fire station stables -- Kruger

Islington fire station stables, Upper Street, showing a white horse named Kruger. The station opened in 1899. Horses would remain in use in the London Fire Brigade until 1921, although motorised fire engines were being introduced into the service in increasing numbers from the early 1900s. Kruger is shown ready for action, wearing the quick release harness developed for fire brigade use so as not to delay the turnout of the engines. Coachmen were designated firemen responsible for driving the horse drawn engines and caring for the horses at the scene of a fire. Station stalls were either within or adjacent to the engine room for the duty horses. The stables formed part of the general station layout

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-LFB Downham fire station, Lewisham, SE London

London was expanding and the London Fire Brigade had to meet the expansion. The Downham Estate, in SE London, was the London County Council's largest social housing development (Council Estate) on the London and Kent (Bromley) border. Downham fire station, with its single engine, was erected in Reigate Road, on the Downham Estate, to provide fire cover for a much greater life risk than had previously existed. It still stands, although much modernised, in the same location today

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library