Images Dated 2011

LCC-LFB Massey Shaw fireboat at Blackfriars

The Massey Shaw was built in 1935 by the J Samuel White company at Cowes, Isle of Wight. She was built to a London County Council design, and cost around £18, 000 to build. The vessel was named after Eyre Massey Shaw, a former chief of the London Fire Brigade. Seen here is the Massey Shaw laying off her moorings (river station) at Blackfriars on the Victoria Embankment. London

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-LFB horse drawn escape cart and ladder

A horse-drawn 50 foot wheeled escape ladder and five man crew in Southwark Headquarters drill yard. These escape ladders could be very quickly slipped by the crew and extended up to a window. Their sole purpose was rescue, and these units, one of which was based at each fire station, carried no firefighing equipment. There were no warning devices to help them through London's traffic ? the crew would should ?Hi! Hi! Hi!? to clear the way. The firefighter on the left has his right hand on the brake lever and would operate this during the exciting dash to the fire

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

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