Chiswick Fire Station

From a church shed to fire station

The Church Shed

Firefighting in Chiswick can be traced back to 1781. Records show that a parish fire engine was kept in a shed by a local church. It was looked after by the Sexton (who also looked after the graveyard) and Beadle (a parish constable)

A volunteer fire brigade was formed in 1888 and in 1891 a fire station was opened on the south side of Chiswick High Road. This new fire brigade operated a steam fire engine. In 1911 it was replaced by a motor fire engine and a motor ambulance.

In 1927 the Brigade came under the control of the local authority. It was now the Brentford and Chiswick Urban District Council Fire Brigade. The Brigade took over a former market building and the adjoining building, Linden House, to use as a fire station in 1937.

Second World War

During the Second World War the Brigade, being part of the London Region, had four Auxiliary Fire Service sub stations. These were situated at:

  • High Road Chiswick
  • High Street Brentford
  • Chiswick House
  • Thompson & Norris & co, Brentford

In 1941 the fire brigade became part of the National Fire Service (NFS).

From Middlesex Fire Brigade to London Fire Brigade

In 1948 the NFS was disbanded and Chiswick Fire Station became station no. 63 of the newly formed Middlesex Fire Brigade. 

In 1965, with the formation of the new Greater London Council, Middlesex Fire Brigade ceased to exist and became part of London Fire Brigade.

The station today

 

Chiswick Fire Station continues to play an important role in keeping its local community safe. The station is home to a single pumping appliance, crewed by one Sub Officer, one Leading Firefighter and five firefighters on each watch.

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