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LCC-LFB Brigade headquarters station watchroom
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LCC-LFB Brigade headquarters station watchroom
The watchroom of Southwark Fire Station. Although this had a telephone switchboard serving the adjacent headquarters of the Brigade, technology is clearly beginning to make the job of answering fire calls from street fire alarms a more effective one
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Media ID 7641639
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
Answering Calls Communication Control Phone Phones Southwark Stations Switchboard Switchboards Technology Telephone Telephones Watch Watchroom
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from the Mary Evans Picture Library, taken in 1909, we see the watchroom of Southwark Fire Station, which also served as the headquarters of the London Fire Brigade. The room is filled with a sense of purpose and industry, as firefighters diligently attend to their duties. At the heart of the scene is a large telephone switchboard, which was a crucial piece of technology that enabled the brigade to more effectively answer fire calls from street fire alarms. The Edwardian-era watchroom exudes an air of tradition and discipline, with its dark wood paneling, brass fittings, and rows of telephones. The men in uniform, focused intently on their work, convey a sense of professionalism and dedication. The telephone switchboard, with its intricate wiring and array of bells and lights, represents the beginning of a technological revolution in firefighting communication. The watchroom served as a control center, where calls for assistance were received and dispatched to the appropriate fire station. The switchboard operators were responsible for connecting the callers to the station that was best equipped to handle the emergency. The introduction of this technology allowed for faster response times and more efficient use of resources, saving valuable minutes in the critical moments before firefighters arrived on the scene. The photograph captures a pivotal moment in the history of the London Fire Brigade, as they transitioned from a reliance on manual communication methods to a more modern, technology-driven approach. The watchroom at Southwark Fire Station stands as a testament to the importance of effective communication in emergency services, and the ongoing evolution of technology to meet the changing needs of the community.
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