Dockhead Fire Station.

From fire station to TV icon.

A new fire station for Southwark

The first fire station was built at Dockhead in 1928. It replaced the fire stations at Tooley Street and Rotherhithe.

Dockhead in the Second World War

During the Second World War, Dockhead had six Auxiliary sub stations, all situated in schools. These included:

  • Magdalen Street School
  • Tower Brigade Road Senior School
  • Riverside Junior School

In 1941 the National Fire Service (NFS) formed and Dockhead Fire Station became part of a new nationalised service, as Station A2Z.

As seen on TV...

The NFS disbanded in 1948 and Dockhead once again was part of London Fire Brigade. In the late 1980s the station exterior was featured in the TV drama 'London’s Burning'. Dockhead was used to portray the fictional fire station in the show.

Dockhead today

The current Dockhead Fire Station was opened in 2016. This new building provides a modern working environment for fire crews. It also has a community space and training facilities. The station houses a Pump Ladder and a Command Unit. These are crewed by one Station Officer, one Sub Officer, three Leading Firefighters and five firefighters.

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