Ladders Gallery

LFDCA-LFB Vintage fire engine in a Clapham street

A former Middlesex Fire Brigade pump escape which was visiting 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.. Here it is seen in a Clapham street with the 50 foot escape ladder slipped from the rear of the engine

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-LFB Dennis open pump escape at a fire station

Readying for the outbreak of WW2, a regular London pump-escape pictured with the wartime fire appliances which would greatly outnumber the pre-1938 London appliance fleet. The red engines would soon be repainted in their wartime livery of Battleship Grey, remaining that colour until 1948, after the National Fire Service was disbanded and fire brigades returned to local authority control

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

GLC-LFB - Turntable Ladder at Plaistow

The GLC-LFB was created on 1 April 1965. A series of photos was commissioned of each type of fire engine, either within or absorbed into the enlarged London Fire Brigade. A Metz turntable ladder from Plaistow fire station ( L30) is seen here, mounted on a Dennis-Rolls Royce petrol engine appliance. This appliance was from Essex fire brigade, parts of which were absorbed into the London Fire Brigade in 1965

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library