Euston is one of the oldest operational fire stations in London. Built between 1901–2, it opened on 27 November 1902. Given its age and design, it's a Grade II listed building. Historic England says it's “widely regarded as the masterpiece of a remarkable group of fire stations built by the London County Council (LCC) between 1896–1914".
The LCC was responsible for London Fire Brigade (LFB) when the station was built. As a result its badge is still on the front of Euston Fire Station. In the early 1920s, the appliance room (where the fire engines are kept) was extended and is still used today.
The Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) formed nationally in 1938. This was part of the Civil Defence Service, and designed to increase firefighting resources in wartime. During the Second World War, Euston was supported by six sub stations, including:
In 1941, all fire brigades in the UK, became part of the National Fire Service (NFS). Euston, being in Central London, was very much in the front line during the Blitz.
In 1948, the NFS was disbanded and Euston returned to local authority control. In 1965 when the Greater London Council formed, Euston became station A23 in the enlarged London Fire Brigade.
Euston Fire Station responds to a variety of incidents, and even covers London Zoo. The station houses one Pump Ladder and a Fire Rescue Unit. These are crewed by one Station Officer, one Sub Officer, two Leading Firefighters and ten firefighters on each watch. The Fire Rescue Unit can attend a number of incidents across London, where specialised rescue techniques (including animal rescues), dealing with hazardous substances or protracted breathing apparatus deployment are required.