Surbiton Fire Station

and the history of firefighting in the area

Surbiton Fire Station was originally built in 1931. It was part of a local borough brigade, Surbiton Fire Brigade.

Second World War

In the lead up to the Second World War, the Auxiliary Fire Service was established. Substations were set up in schools, garages and small factories adapted for use by the fire service. Not all substations were prepared for recruits and conditions were sometimes poor.

Despite this, once the Blitz began, many members of the fire service slept at the fire station even when they were off duty. This was to ensure they were available to help if necessary. Three sub stations were attached to Surbiton Fire Station. These were, Lankerster Garage in Victoria Rd, Harley Motors in Ewell Road and Brockett in Hook Rd.

In 1941 the National Fire Service (NFS) formed to coordinate the organisation and resources of the fire services. Britain was divided into fire force areas and Surbiton Fire Station became part of Fire Force Area 38, number 5 (London) Region.

Post War

The NFS was disbanded in 1948 and the fire service returned to local authority control. Surbiton Fire Station became part of Surrey Fire Brigade from 1948 until 1965. When the Greater London Council formed in 1965 it became part of London Fire Brigade. Surbiton Fire Station was designated station K29 of Southern Command.

Surbiton Fire Station is still active and attends incidents including fires, flooding and road traffic collisions.

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