From a bucket brigade and horse-drawn fire engines in the 1870s to a 14 station, 400-plus member crew with powerful pumper trucks in 2023, the London Fire Department has come a long way in 150 years.
Numerous dignitaries joined current and retired firefighters at the department’s headquarters at 400 Horton Street Friday afternoon for a 150th anniversary kickoff event. It is the first of what is expected to be a year of celebrations marking the century and a half milestone. It includes an array of artifacts and archival photographs from the department’s past – a look back that Acting Chief Richard Hayes believes highlights the strength and bravery of the people who choose to serve.
“The first fire station was on Carling Street in April 1873. Before that there were a series of volunteer fire departments that were there and they merged,” said Hayes. “What’s fascinating about that is that Canadian confederation happened in 1867, so only six years later the London Fire Department was formed. So for seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year since 1873, firefighters have been at the ready to serve the citizens of London. That to me is amazing.”
Londoners will be able to see firsthand the progression of the fire department’s equipment during an open house planned for next month at the Earl Nichols Arena. On June 10, the community centre will be filled with antique apparatus, in addition to new equipment.
“There will be different pieces of equipment that go back in time to the present day,” said Hayes. “There will be food trucks, singers, and activities for the kids… We will be showcasing the ways that we help people in times of need. It will be quite a day so put it in your calendar.”
While firefighters are known for the typical fire and rescue operations, the London Fire Department also has other specialized teams including those deployed for ice and water rescues, technical and rope rescues, and those that handle situations involving hazardous materials. There are members responsible for delivering fire prevention education programs, conducting building inspections, and fire investigations. A 15th London fire station is also expected to open in the Summerside neighbourhood during the 150th anniversary year.
“The fire service continues to evolve, as do the products in your home that catch fire. We have to worry about those things so we evolve our technology and service to suit,” noted Hayes.
Looking back on his time with the department, Hayes said the call that left the biggest impression that still resonates with him was the Woodman Avenue explosion. The August 2019 blast which happened after an impaired driver crashed into a house, severing a gas line, injured several people and forced the evacuation of numerous homes in the Old East Village.
“The people on that street were removed from their homes in a very short amount of time, not knowing if they were going to be allowed back, or what was going on or what happened. But within 24 hours we got people back in their homes. That is absolutely extraordinary. In other places it may have taken a week,” said Hayes. He went on to state that a strong partnership with other cities services such as emergency management, London police, paramedics, and road crews helps the fire department in providing care to Londoners in times of need.
People interested in attending the 150th anniversary celebrations can stay up-to-date on planned activities through the department’s social media channels.
“If people would like us to do public education around the 150 stuff in their location, whether it be corporate or public entities, we would be happy to partner with people to do that as well,” added Hayes.
