These new fire boats are part of a £40m investment in the Brigade’s transformation which has been funded by City Hall. With the support of the Mayor of London, this funding has modernised the Brigade’s ability to respond to emergencies and involved the introduction of 64 metre and 32 metre ladders. Last September, the Mayor welcomed the boats to the city and after a period of testing and training the boats are in service.
These fire boats will be responsible for responding to emergencies from Teddington in the west, to the Dartford Crossing in the east. They’ll work alongside our partners on the water, including the Metropolitan Police Service and RNLI, in order to keep Londoners safe around the Thames. The fire boats can also be dispatched directly to an incident on the Thames by the Coastguard.
These are the most advanced fire boats the Brigade has ever operated and carry more life-saving equipment than ever before. As well as hoses that allow crews to fight fires from the river, the boats are fitted with a hydraulic crane for carrying out rescues from the water and a high-definition thermal imaging camera. Their flat bottom and landing ramp also means they are able to rescue people who may be stranded on the shore.
The boats are named after two Second World War firefighters who were commended for bravery. Auxiliary Firewoman Gillian Tanner received the George Medal for her actions continuing to drive a fuel truck during a night-time air raid. Auxiliary Fireman Harry Errington was awarded a George Cross for his rescue efforts after his fire station was hit by a bomb.
London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, said: “These boats may be new, but they also mark our history. The actions of Harry Errington and Gillian Tanner in the Second World War show the best of London Fire Brigade, and it’s fitting that we honour their memory in this way.
“But as we honour our past, we must also look to the future. The cutting-edge technology employed on these boats shows our commitment to keeping London safe. As the risks facing London and Londoners change over time, it’s important we invest in and update our equipment to meet future challenges. These fire boats will help keep the Thames safe in the years to come.”
Fiona Twycross, Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, said: “London Fire Brigade’s new state-of-the-art fire boats are a brilliant addition to our city’s waterways. I have seen first-hand how they are being used by dedicated crews on the water and on land, providing vital information to the fire service's control room and emergency service partners. These fire boats are funded by the Mayor as part of ongoing support from City Hall to modernise and transform the Brigade so that it is better prepared, organised and equipped to fight fires, as we build a safer London for everyone.”
The Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally DBE said: “We are indebted to London Fire Brigade for the extraordinary work they do across the capital. Every hour of every day, they provide vital services to protect London’s people, communities and buildings. It was a privilege to christen the LFB’s new fire boats, which will play an important role in responding to emergencies, and in helping ensure the safety of all Londoners.”
Among the people that attended the christening were Emma and Chris who had suggested the boat names as part of a staff competition, and a judging panel picked Tanner and Errington out of the finalists. The panel comprised of the London Fire Commissioner and staff from London Fire Brigade Museum, Lambeth River Station, Fire Cadets and representatives of the Port of London Authority.
These boats are based at Lambeth River Station, and are crewed by specially trained firefighters.