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Fire at the Balham Covered Retail Market - 1953
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Fire at the Balham Covered Retail Market - 1953
Six-Pump Fire at the Balham Covered Retail Market, 31 Bedford Hill (on junction with Shipka Road), Balham, London 8th May 1953. Date: 1953
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Media ID 14156752
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans
1953 Balham Bedford Billboard Cadbury Covered Daily Horlicks Mirror Nightime Pump Retail Surf Firefighters Fireman Firemen Persil Shipka
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This evocative photograph captures the intensity of a six-pump fire that engulfed the Balham Covered Retail Market on 8th May 1953. The market, located at 31 Bedford Hill, on the junction with Shipka Road in Balham, London, was a bustling hub of activity during the 1950s. Brands such as Horlicks, Persil, Cadbury, Surf, Daily Mirror, and many others had stalls there, offering their wares to the local community. In the early hours of the morning, disaster struck as a fire broke out, sending flames and smoke billowing into the night sky. The London Fire Brigade quickly responded, deploying six fire engines and a team of brave firefighters to tackle the blaze. The image shows the firemen in action, their powerful hoses trained on the inferno as they worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. The photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, transporting us back to the 1950s and the era of the covered retail markets. It also serves as a reminder of the vital role that the fire service plays in protecting our communities and ensuring our safety. The image is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the firefighters who risked their lives to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage. This historical photograph is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of London, the 1950s, or the work of the fire service.
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