Early Fire Services in Cambridge

The first mention of any fire precautions in Cambridge comes from records dating back to the 16th Century in documents that show a issue of a bucket and ladder given to Colleges and Churches across the town.

It wasn't until 1875 The Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed using hose carts and ladders found in seven stations across the town. In 1909 more equipment was acquired including a horse drawn steam engine.

First Motor Fire Engine in Cambridge - St. Andrew Street 1920's

The volunteer fire brigade in Chesterton amalgamated with the Cambridge brigade in 1911.

In 1921, the Cambridge Borough Police Fire Brigade was formed and took over the responsibility of the fire service in Cambridge. They obtained a motor vehicle and pump.

The combined police and fire station was found in St. Andrew Street where the building still remains there today, but used for other purposes. A second station was also set up in Newmarket Road to work alongside the one in St. Andrew Street.

In 1948 the Cambridgeshire Fire Brigade was formed after denationalisation and in 1965 the Cambridgeshire Fire Brigade and the Isle of Ely Fire Service amalgamated into one service called Cambridgeshire & Isle of Ely Fire Brigade. The headquarters and control room were based at a new station in Parkside.

In April 1974, after a number of fire authorities were reduced across the UK the Cambridgeshire & Isle of Ely Fire Brigade amalgamated with  the Huntingdonshire and Peterborough County Fire Service to form one service called The Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service Authority. It is thought this was the first British fire authority to include the word 'Rescue' in it's title.    

Cambridge Fact File: First Fire Precautions in Cambridge

DID YOU KNOW ?

Even though documents exist of fires taking place in Cambridge right back to the 11th Century, it was not until the 16th Century when the first fire precautions where made in a form of a bucket and ladder being given to colleges and churches in Cambridge.

The Great Fire of Cambridge

Before 1849 Cambridge market covered an L-shaped area stretching from Petty Cury to the northern end of Peas Hill.

The present market layout came about after a terrible fire that took place on the night of Saturday 15th September 1849, often called 'The Great Fire of Cambridge'.

In 'Cambridge Revisited' Arthur B. Gray recalls the events of the fire:

Market Hill - 1900s

'The fire-engines of the police, the various insurance offices and those belonging to Trinity and
St.John's were soon upon the spot, but alas! the key to Hobson Conduit could not be found. The final
discovery of the key only increased the prevailing excitement and confusion, for the firemen were soon vigorously squabbling over the limited water supply.'

'Matters were improved, however, by the numberless buckets and pails which literally showered upon the crowds
of willing helpers, who soon formed themselves into lines of supply to the engines now upon the scene.'

Market Hill - 1937

The fire raged on and was only put out at about 6am. Eight houses where burnt down and others were seriously damaged.

Senate Hill and the south side of Market Hill was used to dump all the broken and damaged furniture. The Police oversaw the whole operation to ward off looters.

Hobson's Conduit was removed from Market Hill to its present site at the junction of Trumpington Road and Lensfield Road. A new fountain was put up in the centre of the market in 1855, but in 1953 it was found to be unsafe and taken down. It was removed to the yard of the Cambridge and County Folk Museum, which is the former site of the old White Horse Inn in Castle Street.