1861 was one, amongst many, significant years for Edinburgh.
Author: quonya
The Great Fire of Edinburgh
In 1824 the great blaze tore across the narrow closes, raced through rooftops, and changed everything.
James Braidwood had only just taken command of the new municipal fire brigade when confusion, delay and wind turned the fire into a disaster no one could steer.
10 October 1835 – Remembering Chance, the Firefighters’ Faithful Friend (1835)
The London Fire Engine Establishment mourned their loss, Chance the first recorded dog to befriend firefighters in London, died.
The Palace of Westminster Fire – 16 October 1834
The Palace of Westminster, a range of buildings that contained the House of Commons and the House of Lords, caught fire on this day. It would develop into the biggest fire London had seen since the Great Fire of 1666 and would only be surpassed by the inferno seen during the Blitz of the Second World War.
13th October 1910 – Leith’s First Motor Fire Engine
In the Leith Observer of Saturday 15th October 1910 it was reported that Leith Fire Brigade had taken delivery of a new fire appliances the previous Thursday.
On this Day: 3rd September 1800 James Braidwood was born
James Braidwood, born 3rd September 1800, grew from Edinburgh roots into a pioneering firefighter. Early experiences shaped his career, becoming Edinburgh’s Firemaster, later leading London’s brigade until his heroic death in 1861.
Chimney Sweeping Laws in the UK and Scotland
Did you know that in Edinburgh, chimney sweeps once needed a magistrate-approved licence to work? Our collection includes a wonderfully preserved 1933 licence for George Lamb, plus his numbered brass sweep badge.
Manchester, Coffee County, Tennessee USA
Location: Manchester, Coffee County, Tennessee. Area Served: Protects nearly 12,000 residents in the City of Manchester, with mutual aid provided throughout Coffee County.
Brandweer Westhoek patch
The Brandweer Westhoek is one of Belgium’s largest fire and rescue services, covering much of West Flanders — from the North Sea coast to rural towns and historic inland cities.
On this Day: 25th August 1972 Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
On this day in 1972, a fire broke out at the Sher Brothers Cash and Carry warehouse in Kilbirnie Street. What began as smoke in the attic soon became one of the most serious incidents ever faced by Glasgow Fire Service.