Fire Engines Photos

Only a two section wooden ladder, probably around ten meters. Of course this is a pump escape, although the pump is somewhat buried under the ladder carriage! Handy installation for the hose carts under the running boards, but I do hope the drivers always remembered that the rig was a bit wider with those in situ…

Added by Rob Johnson on 12 March 2026.

The original London hand propelled wheeled escapes were also incidentally only 40 feet (10 metres) long when introduced in the 1820s. A “fly ladder” was added later, followed in the 1880s by a three section 50 foot ( 15 metres) version, which h survived almost another hundred years! Wheeled ladders practically died out in France several decades earlier, replaced by lightweight 12 and15 metre extension ladders, but a few brigades still operate 18 meter wheeled ladders powered by electricity.

Added by Rob Johnson on 15 March 2026.

I would be interested to see one of these ladders in use. Close scrutiny of the trussing and strings suggests that a third section may be nestling, partially hidden, on top. There are several clues in this photo as to the method of mounting and operation, if you gaze upon it long enough.

Added by Alan T on 25 March 2026.

Alan. Your eyes are younger than mine! Well spotted. This does indeed look like a three section ladder, probably around 18 metres, which was actually the most common size in France for wheeled escape ladders for many decades.

Added by Rob Johnson on 25 March 2026.

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