In 1666, the world had witnessed one of history’s most devastating urban disasters. The Great Fire of London lasted four days and destroyed much of the city, leaving about 80% of London’s buildings in ashes. The fire began in a bakery on Pudding Lane and quickly spread due to strong winds and the city’s narrow streets and tightly packed timber-framed buildings.
The fire led to the passing of the Fire Prevention (Metropolis) Act 1774, which established a permanent fire brigade for the City of London. This brigade was initially called the London Fire Engine Establishment and was later renamed the London Fire Brigade.
The Great Fire of London also led to the development of new firefighting techniques and technologies. For example, the first fire engines were invented in the 17th century, and these were used to help extinguish the Great Fire.
Today, the London Fire Brigade is one of the most highly trained and well-equipped fire brigades in the world. The brigade has over 5,500 firefighters and responds to over 200,000 incidents each year.
Here are some of the specific impacts that the Great Fire of London had on the development of the fire brigade:
- The fire led to the establishment of a permanent fire brigade for the City of London.
- The fire brigade was initially called the London Fire Engine Establishment and later renamed the London Fire Brigade.
- The fire led to the development of new firefighting techniques and technologies, such as the invention of the first fire engines.
- The London Fire Brigade is now one of the most highly trained and well-equipped fire brigades in the world.