Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Fire Brigade
MBW-MFB fire float and tug at drill on River Thames
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
MBW-MFB fire float and tug at drill on River Thames
These fire floats and tugs were composite craft introduced in about 1877. They were replaced by fireboats from 1900
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7639843
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
Appliance Appliances Composite Craft Drill Fireboat Fireboats Float Floats Moored Rivers Tugs Vessels Firefighting
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cercopithecidae
> Drill
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fire Brigade
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> River Thames
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> London Fire Brigade
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph from the late 1890s, a composite MBW-MFB fire float and tug are moored along the River Thames, ready for a drill exercise with the London Fire Brigade. The composite craft, which consisted of a fireboat and a tugboat combined into one vessel, were an innovative solution to the challenges of firefighting on the river. Introduced around 1877, these fire floats and tugs were a significant improvement over the earlier fire rafts, which relied on the current and wind to maneuver to the scene of a fire. The composite craft, however, could be propelled directly to the location using the tug's engine, making them much more effective and efficient in emergency situations. The London Fire Brigade, which was established in 1865, played a crucial role in protecting the city from fires, particularly those that occurred along the River Thames. The brigade's fleet of fireboats and tugs were a vital component of its response capabilities, and regular drills like the one depicted in this photograph ensured that the crews were well-prepared to face any emergency. In this image, the fire float and tug are seen moored alongside each other, with their crews standing at attention. The fire float is equipped with a large, red fire pump and hoses, while the tugboat's powerful engine and propeller are visible at the rear. The River Thames, with its bustling traffic of ships and barges, forms an impressive backdrop to the scene, underscoring the importance of the fire brigade's presence on the water. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a unique insight into the history of firefighting on the River Thames during the Victorian era. The composite craft, with their combination of firefighting and towing capabilities, represented a significant advancement in the technology of the time and played a crucial role in protecting the city from the threat of fire.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
