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Media resources
Photo library

Photo library:

Our image library hosts over 40,000 photosets, dating right back to the 1890s. 

The visual history of London firefighting

The images trace the history and development of the London Fire Brigade dating from the beginning of the 20th century to present day. A selection of archived images can be purchased from our online photo shop.

Here are just a few highlights:

Black and white photograph of six female firefighters in the 1930s on motorbikes

Female firefighters in the 1930s on motorbikes

Black and white photograph of six female firefighters in the 1930s on motorbikes

Female firefighters in the 1930s on motorbikes
Historical photo of Firefighters using their fire hoses and a ship to put out fire in Butler Wharf

Butler Wharf fire: firefighters using their fire hoses and a ship to put out a fire
Smithfield blaze video

Smithfield blaze video: footage of a significant fire event
Historical picture of Denmark street fire

Denmark Street fire
Black and white photograph of four men walking down a cobbled street carrying baskets between them. Lots of people in the background

Silvertown explosion at a munitions factory for WWI
Black and white photograph of three female firefighters in 1938. They are holding hoses and wearing helmets
Grainy black and white photograph of the fire at Silvertown
Black and white photograph of four people that were evacuated because of the Silvertown fire. They are in ragged clothes and look directly at the camera
View all images

You might also be interested in the following:

London Fire Brigade Museum

Welcome to the online home of the London Fire Brigade Museum. Come on in and meet yesterday's heroes...

History and stories

Learn more about fires and firefighters from the past in our museum history section.

Fires and incidents that have shaped history

From unusual fires – like the frozen fire on Butler's Wharf – to fires that shaped the face of London, read more about major historical fires.

Fire safety at home

Here are all our firefighters' top tips to reduce fire risks at home.