The first fire station in Battersea was opened in 1874 in Simpson Street. The station was home to two horse-drawn fire engines plus a hand pushed escape ladder.
Battersea Fire Station was later converted to also provide accommodation. This was for firefighters and their families as, during the Victorian era, firefighters were on continuous duty.
A sub-station was opened in Battersea Park Road to provide extra cover in the area. This was a small building housing just a hose and ladder cart, plus three firefighters. The Battersea Park Road sub-station closed in 1914.
In 1898 a large new station was built by Battersea Bridge to accommodate the crews of the nearby river station. At this time the river station had two floating fire engines, known as fire-floats. Previously firefighters had to lodge in nearby private houses. The station also had a hose and ladder cart. In 1904 the river station was home to the fireboat Gamma II.
In 1937 when the new river station was opened at Lambeth headquarters, Battersea River Station closed.
In 1938 the current Battersea Fire Station was opened on Este Road at a cost of £17,080. It was designed to house three motor fire engines plus their crews and to provide a flat for the station officer.
