Fire Engines Photos

Plenty of action in that shot Bob, some classics there old friend.

Added by Peter Matten on 03 August 2023.

Thanks Pete, it was in 1977, 6 pumps, 2 HP, TL. At one stage explosives were used to help with ventilation due to the construction of the building.The job was eventually closed after 5 days.

Added by Bristol Bob on 04 August 2023.

Bob I have never heard of that ventilation technique before. Sounds a bit extreme!

Added by Rob Johnson on 04 August 2023.

Hi Rob, I am no expert but as it was a cold store the construction of the building must have been extremely thick and strong with heavy insulation.

Added by Bristol Bob on 06 August 2023.

I agree, but I can’t help wondering where the brigade got the explosives from - and who helped them decide what to use, how much to use and where to put it!

Added by Rob Johnson on 07 August 2023.

Hi Rob, can't help you with that. I don't think the Brigade used them, back then I would have known the answer.

Added by on 07 August 2023.

No worries! The last time I heard about using explosives as a fire fighting tactic was the story of the San Francisco earthquake fire, in 1904. After days of trying to control the spread of the fire, with broken water mains in many places, the fire chief persuaded the mayor to get the army to blow up numerous buildings in order to create a physical fire break. It worked, but - no surprise- it led to a whole lot of lawsuits, some of which dragged on for years!

Added by Rob Johnson on 08 August 2023.

Just to confirm, they did not blow up the whole building!!

Added by Bristol Bob on 08 August 2023.

Bob Thanks for confirming. I guess that would have been rather unproductive!

Added by Rob Johnson on 09 August 2023.

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