London Fire Brigade

Our history

Three insurance firemen

The first fire brigades

The Great Fire of London was a severe blow to the city and fire insurance brigades were developed as a way to deal with future fires. Much later, independent insurance brigades joined together to form the London Fire Engine Establishment (LFEE).

Find out more about the first fire brigades.

 

Image gallery

Gas drill at West Ham Fire Station, c.1938

Explore in pictures: equipment and uniforms from the 1700s to the present day.

Tours at the LFB Museum

Winchester House

Book a visit to the London Fire Brigade museum to find out about the history of fire fighting in the capital.

Tooley Street Fire

Tooley Street Fire

Read about the 150th Anniversary of the Tooley Street Fire.