A ’fireman's pole’, now known as a sliding pole or fire pole, is a pole on which firefighters slide down to quickly reach the ground floor of a fire station. This allows them to respond quickly to an emergency call. Depending on where they are within the station, they can arrive at the fire engine faster than by using a standard staircase.
Chief Officer Captain Sir Eyre Massey Shaw brought back the idea of sliding poles from his visits to American fire houses. They were introduced into London fire stations from 1904 onwards. Initially the poles just went through an open hole in the upper floor. However, these holes were soon given greater protection to avoid accidents.
Our archives have many fantastic images of fire station interiors, where we can see examples of this important equipment ready to be used. Including at Kensington Fire Station c.1905, Wandsworth Fire Station c.1954, and Clapham Fire Station c. 1963
Sliding poles are still in active use in many London fire stations. Only a handful of stations don't have a sliding pole.
This article was researched and written by museum volunteer Halima B
