Ashford Fire Brigade 1826 - 1942 

 

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Introduction For nearly 120 years, Ashford Fire Brigade diced with the dangers of fire in and around Ashford. Its many members were all hardworking volunteers, dedicated to saving the homes and livelihoods of Ashford’s residents. It all began at a meeting in 1826, where Ashford worthies agreed that the town needed its own fire fighting service to prevent and tackle fires. The Brigade grew from strength to strength, attending to fires efficiently and professionally until it was absorbed into the National Fire Brigade in 1942. Equipment Equipment to hand in the early 19th century was very meagre; it mainly consisted of a pumping engine, buckets, and pipes as well as plenty of manpower. The Ashford Brigade, which had already been unofficially established since 1814, already owned two engines, six pipes and eighty-three buckets at their first official stock take. Money gained from subscriptions and rural attendance fees, enabled the Brigade to purchase more efficient and reliable engines after 1836. Manual pumps were first used by the Brigade. Continual pumping of the engine was required for a steady flow of water to quench flames. In 1830, pumping was carried out by a team allotted to each engine of four Engineers, four Pipe Conductors and four Foremen; sixteen men manned No. 1 Engine and fifteen men manned Engine No. 2. During its time, the Brigade welcomed various engines and equipment, including its first Merryweather Steamer in 1875. The move to steam from manual engine pumps was a great advancement in fire-fighting.  Steam engines provided a continuous jet of water over a greater distance and ensured that members could be released from pumping duty onto more pressing needs during a call. Surprisingly, the Brigade reported on only a few fatalities during its 120 year history. Improvements to the engines and also experience of fire control had saved many people’s lives, and prevented destruction to neighbouring buildings. To continue this preservative trend, the Brigade purchased a Fire Escape with a canvas shoot. This enabled the members to gain access to upper floors and carry out rescue attempts. The canvas shoot which ran the full length of the ladder, ensured the efficient exit of people from a burning building. From 1917 onwards, a motor tractor was employed to pull the fire engines; this was a vast improvement from horse drawn power. This was again improved in 1925 when the Brigade purchased a ‘ Leyland ’ Motor Fire Engine with an Ajax Extending Ladder.  Acquisitions to the Brigade continued with a second Leyland engine, a First Aid appliance, searchlight, hose, foam making branchpipe with generating tank, and Selvus oxygen breathing apparatus.  Over the ensuing period the voluntary Brigade had to deal with damage and fires to Ashford and its vicinity from both World War conflicts. Uniform Initially, the uniform for the men was a simple arm-badge; however, this was changed in 1862 to a cap with an attached ‘Ashford Fire Brigade’ badge.  By 1867, the Brigade decided a new full uniform was required to protect the volunteers. A felt helmet replaced the simple cap, and a canvas tunic was introduced which gave protection from the heat and also provided warmth on cold night calls. The volunteers were also provided with a belt on which various tools, such as a spanner, formed part of the personal kit.  In 1935, the brass firefighter helmet was exchanged with a leather one. The leather replacements were lighter and also gave more protection whilst attending fires.             Conclusion The success of Ashford Fire Brigade was ultimately due to the dedication of its members. However, financial backings from Insurance companies such as Phoenix, as well as subscription fees from wealthy members of the town, were essential to the continual operation and improvements to the Brigade’s equipment. Various Chief Officers had maintained and progressed the Brigade’s management and organisation, ensuring that the group became a professional and well-respected part of the community.

Notable Fires Oltantigh Towers in 1903 – This building was a vast mansion housing collections of valuable art, china, bronzes and tapestries. The Ashford Brigade alongside three manuals of the Kent County Fire Offices, Canterburyand ChilhamCastleeventually subdued the fire, but it left the mansion gutted though most valuables were saved by the quick-thinking of Captain Hart. Headley Bros. Printing Works, Edinburgh Road, Ashford – Was completely gutted on 14th September 1906 . Co-op Stores, Ashford High Street– On 4th March 1924 the building fronting onto the High Street was thoroughly ablaze. The shop was devastated by the large fire. Tithe Barn fire - A fire at the old ‘Tithe Barn’ at Court Lodge, Great Chart on 13th December 1890 saw the coldest conditions the Brigade had ever faced. The hoses froze and water could not easily be sourced due to the freezing conditions. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, the Brigade managed to save items of property and some stacks, but unfortunately they could not save the barn itself. The barn was known as one of the longest and most ancient of the Kent Tithe Barns measuring 255ft long, 47 ft. wide and 40 ft. high. Canterbury Cathedral - On Tuesday 3rd September 1872 , Canterbury Cathedral lost 150ft of roof due to a fire. Ashford Brigade were sent for, but the city’s engines had bought the fire under control. Much furniture and treasures from the cathedral had to be moved to safety after molten lead and sparks rained down inside the ancient building.   Sources ‘A History of the Ashford Fire Brigade 1826 - 1911’ H. Wood. ‘A History of the Ashford Kent Fire Brigade 1912 – 1942’ A. E. W. Palmer. More Information AshfordBoroughMuseumExhibits  http://www.london-fire.gov.uk  & http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/OurHistory.asp http://www.fireservice.co.uk/history http://www.kent.fire-uk.org/history/firefighting_in_kent.aspx  Please visit: Kent Photo Archive for more photographs.