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

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

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

Valley Park Primary School students were invited to meet crews at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s Central fire station after they sang on the steps of Sheffield City Hall in support of the brigade's stop smoking campaign, aimed at saving lives

1. Stub it out

Valley Park Primary School students were invited to meet crews at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s Central fire station after they sang on the steps of Sheffield City Hall in support of the brigade's stop smoking campaign, aimed at saving lives Photo: JPI

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Lord Mayor of Sheffield Coun Jane Bird gets a fire safety check at her home, with Peter Holmes and Carol Rowland from South Yorkshire Fire Service

2. Safety first

Lord Mayor of Sheffield Coun Jane Bird gets a fire safety check at her home, with Peter Holmes and Carol Rowland from South Yorkshire Fire Service Photo: Dean Atkins

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Children from Chernobyl who were visiting the city for a summer break learning firefighting skills at the fire service's Training & Development Centre at Handsworth. Elena Kukharevich has a go with a fire hose with with watch manager Pete Wood in July 2009

3. Chernobyl visitors

Children from Chernobyl who were visiting the city for a summer break learning firefighting skills at the fire service's Training & Development Centre at Handsworth. Elena Kukharevich has a go with a fire hose with with watch manager Pete Wood in July 2009 Photo: Roger Nadal

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A Sheffield firefighter who saved the life of a heart attack victim whilst off duty was recognised with a special fire service award. Martin Farmer, based at Lowedges fire station, came to the aid of 63-year-old Dave Western at Abbeydale Badminton Club, Sheffield

4. Life-saving award

A Sheffield firefighter who saved the life of a heart attack victim whilst off duty was recognised with a special fire service award. Martin Farmer, based at Lowedges fire station, came to the aid of 63-year-old Dave Western at Abbeydale Badminton Club, Sheffield Photo: submitted

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