Ever wondered how London tackles its blazes? Right here is the heart of it all. This is the London Fire Brigade. More than just a fire service, the London Fire Brigade is a historic institution woven into the very fabric of this city.
Established in 1833 as the London Fire Engine Establishment, it was under the leadership of James Braidwood. He was a pioneering figure who had previously established Edinburgh’s municipal fire brigade. Braidwood also introduced uniforms. These included personal protection.
Initially, the London Fire Engine Establishment was a private enterprise. It was funded by insurance companies. Its primary goal was to protect insured properties. Disasters like the 1861 Tooley Street fire highlighted the need for a public fire service. Braidwood died in action during this fire, aged 61.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade Act of 1865 marked a turning point. It led to the creation of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Eyre Massey Shaw, a former police and fire services head from Belfast, became its first leader. In 1904, it was renamed the London Fire Brigade.
The London Fire Brigade has seen many changes. During World War II, it was amalgamated into the National Fire Service. In 1948, it was re-established as a separate entity. In 1965, with the formation of Greater London, it expanded. It absorbed parts of other fire brigades.
The London Fire Brigade moved its headquarters in 2007. It relocated to Union Street in Southwark. This location is next to its former training center. The brigade was previously headquartered in Lambeth. That was between 1937 and 2007.
Today, the London Fire Brigade operates from 102 fire stations. It also has one river station. It employs nearly 6,000 staff. This includes over 5,000 operational firefighters and officers.
Leading this dedicated force is the Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Planning. Andy Roe currently holds this position. He took over from Dany Cotton in 2020. Cotton was the brigade’s first female commissioner.
The London Fire Brigade responds to various emergencies. Besides fires, they handle road traffic collisions and floods. They also assist in hazardous materials incidents. All firefighters receive first aid training. Since 2016, they have provided first aid for life-threatening medical emergencies.
The London Fire Brigade also focuses on fire prevention. Firefighters visit homes and businesses. They offer advice on fire safety. They also educate schools and youth groups.
The London Fire Brigade is organized into five districts. These districts cover all London boroughs. Each district is managed by a Borough Commander. They coordinate with police and ambulance services.
In 2010/11, the London Fire Brigade responded to over 200,000 emergency calls. This included over 13,000 major fires. The brigade also dealt with thousands of special services. These services include lift releases and animal rescues.
The London Fire Brigade is a vital part of London. It has a rich history and a dedicated staff. The brigade is committed to protecting the city and its residents. The London Fire Brigade remains a symbol of courage and service.