London Fire Brigade
History
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is the statutory fire and rescue service for London, England. Established in 1866, it is one of the oldest firefighting organizations in the world. The LFB is managed by the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA), a functional body of the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Structure and Organization
The LFB is divided into five operational command units, each headed by an Assistant Commissioner. These units are further divided into borough commands, each overseen by a Borough Commander. The LFB's headquarters is located at Union Street in Southwark.
Operations
The LFB responds to a wide range of incidents, including fires, road traffic collisions, and other emergencies. It also provides fire safety education and conducts fire inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Equipment and Vehicles
The LFB operates a fleet of vehicles and equipment, including fire engines, aerial ladder platforms, and fire rescue units. These vehicles are equipped with advanced firefighting and rescue equipment.
Training and Recruitment
Training for new recruits takes place at the LFB's training centre in Southwark. The training program includes both practical and theoretical instruction in firefighting and rescue techniques.
Notable Incidents
The LFB has responded to several notable incidents throughout its history, including the Great Fire of London in 1666, the Blitz during World War II, and the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.