Members of the new National Fire Service parading at Division Street Fire Station during the war years. Picture courtesy of John Hagueplaceholder image
Members of the new National Fire Service parading at Division Street Fire Station during the war years. Picture courtesy of John Hague

Celebration of Sheffield firefighters in pictures to mark 80th anniversary of modern fire service

By Julia Armstrong
Published 19th Aug 2021, 07:30 GMT

To mark the 80th anniversary of a milestone in the history of the fire service, we’re bringing you these pictures of South Yorkshire firefighters over the years.

The National Fire Service was a single fire service created in Britain in August 1941 during the Second World War, bringing together the wartime national Auxiliary Fire Service and the local authority fire brigades.

Before 1941, there were two fire teams in the city – the Sheffield Police Fire Brigade and the volunteer Auxiliary Fire Service – with different uniforms. Together they faced the horror of the Blitz of December 1940, when seven firefighters lost their lives and many more were injured as the city centre was engulfed in a firestorm on the night of December 12.

Thanks to the fire service and everything they do to keep us all safe every day of the year. You can learn more about their history at the National Emergency Services Museum on West Bar Green.

Read this: A look back to the day when Crystal Peaks was opened by a soaring Eddie the Eagle

Andy Hayter from South Yorkshire Fire Service, in charge of recruiting retained (volunteer) firefighters, was looking for more volunteers in July 2018

9. Help wanted

Andy Hayter from South Yorkshire Fire Service, in charge of recruiting retained (volunteer) firefighters, was looking for more volunteers in July 2018 Photo: Chris Etchells

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Junior Star fire safety competition winners - Amy Turner (10), with, from left, Darren Turner (11), David Dawson (8), Matthew Sheldon (11), James Allen (12) and Mark Thompson (12), pictured at the South Yorkshire Fire Service HQ, Sheffield.

10. Safety first

Junior Star fire safety competition winners - Amy Turner (10), with, from left, Darren Turner (11), David Dawson (8), Matthew Sheldon (11), James Allen (12) and Mark Thompson (12), pictured at the South Yorkshire Fire Service HQ, Sheffield. Photo: Roger Nadal

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