Firefighting Gallery

GLC-LFB Fire boat - Fire Hawk

Entering service in February 1976, the Fire Hawk was built by Watercraft of Shoreham at a cost of £60, 000. Measuring 45 feet in length, 13.5 inch beam and with a 3.5 foot draft, she had a top speed of 17 knots. With a single fixed monitor forward, the twin portable pumps provided a pumping capacity of 1200 gpm (5400 litres per minute). The Fire Hawk was sold off in 2000

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-LFB Fire display at Brigade HQ Southwark

The London Fire Brigade encouraged, for very many years, a good public image by opening its doors to the public to special fire brigade displays. On Saturday afternoons, during the summer months, it was a regular feature to see displays at the Southwark Headquarters. As the picture shows it drew large, and frequently a boater-hatted, crowds. A motorised fire engine works two firefighting jets, while a turntable ladder is fully extended to the top of the drill tower. Where there was space to stand and watch the public took every opportunity to do so

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

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