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MFB fire float and tug on the River Thames
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MFB fire float and tug on the River Thames
A Metropolitan Fire Brigade fire float and tug on the River Thames. These composite craft were introduced in 1877 and used until 1900 when they were replaced by fireboats. The fire float was a fire pump mounted in a barge that could supply water to the land via hoses or direct water onto a blaze from jets mounted on the barge. The tug transported the fire float to the scene of the fire
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Media ID 7639853
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
Appliance Appliances Barge Barges Composite Craft Fireboat Fireboats Float Hoses Metropolitan Mounted Pump Rivers Vessels Firefighting
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases a Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) composite fire float and tug making their way on the River Thames in the late 1890s. The MFB introduced these innovative craft in 1877 as a significant addition to their firefighting fleet, which served until 1900 when they were replaced by more advanced fireboats. The fire float, depicted in the foreground, was essentially a fire pump mounted on a barge. Its primary function was to supply water to the land via hoses or directly onto a blaze from jets mounted on the barge. The tugboat, towed behind the fire float, was responsible for transporting the fire float to the scene of the fire, ensuring that the vital firefighting equipment arrived promptly. These composite craft were a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Victorian era's firefighting services. The London Fire Brigade, which operated these vessels, was dedicated to protecting the city from the devastating effects of fire. The fire float and tug's collaboration proved to be an effective solution for reaching fires located along the River Thames and its tributaries, providing much-needed relief to Londoners during emergencies. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the MFB's firefighting appliances in action on the River Thames. The image transports us back in time, allowing us to appreciate the importance of these composite craft in London's firefighting history.
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