{"id":3967,"date":"2025-06-26T10:09:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T09:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/?p=3967"},"modified":"2025-06-26T10:09:47","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T09:09:47","slug":"the-long-history-of-the-birmingham-fire-service-every-insurance-company-had-its-own-firefighters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-long-history-of-the-birmingham-fire-service-every-insurance-company-had-its-own-firefighters-3967","title":{"rendered":"The long history of the Birmingham Fire Service \u2014\u00a0 every insurance company had its own firefighters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Today, the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service is the second largest fire and rescue service in England. It is responsible for an area of more than 902 km\u00b2, where almost 3 million people live. Another feature of the work of Midland <a href=\"https:\/\/montrealyes.com\/uk\/eternal\/dozvillya-i-rozvagy-v-monreali-chasiv-drugoyi-svitovoyi-vijny\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">firefighters<\/a> is the fact that they serve a very diverse and multicultural community in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, there are seven local authorities in the West Midlands, and the fire service is distributed in the same way. These are Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. For more information on the history of Birmingham Fire Brigade, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/uk\">birmingham1.one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2e1ca1842c2\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2e1ca1842c2\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-long-history-of-the-birmingham-fire-service-every-insurance-company-had-its-own-firefighters-3967\/#Firefighters_of_the_West_Midlands\" >Firefighters of the West Midlands<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-long-history-of-the-birmingham-fire-service-every-insurance-company-had-its-own-firefighters-3967\/#The_first_Birmingham_Fire_Department\" >The first Birmingham Fire Department<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-long-history-of-the-birmingham-fire-service-every-insurance-company-had-its-own-firefighters-3967\/#Birmingham_firefighters_in_the_twentieth_century\" >Birmingham firefighters in the twentieth century<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-long-history-of-the-birmingham-fire-service-every-insurance-company-had-its-own-firefighters-3967\/#The_end_of_the_fire_station\" >The end of the fire station<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Firefighters_of_the_West_Midlands\"><\/span>Firefighters of the West Midlands<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.birmingham1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/06\/ad_4nxedagjytopaeb-2jspnd19v7c9_cfsih3eym_bhf-9wxxrjty3cbozawgmnfsk8chigkyox5ubnm5t_4vgpzoomiuq-u1-nrsg0y0ekdyyduftnvydpw-gm_2hjrkw2oxj-awhprqkeyvefsfxirb2c3khz-l9elzq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another feature of the work of local firefighters is the fact that the West Midlands region is home to many of the country&#8217;s most deprived communities. These communities, in turn, due to socio-economic and health factors, are at particularly high risk of fire and other emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, the region&#8217;s major urban centres and industrial areas are built up with some of the most fire-hazardous infrastructure in the UK, with the highest risk levels. Only years of experience and professionalism help the region&#8217;s fire service to be prepared for the challenges and risks it faces. And this experience has been gained over centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the early days, Birmingham fought fires with the help of citizen volunteers and water transported by carts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_first_Birmingham_Fire_Department\"><\/span>The first Birmingham Fire Department<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.birmingham1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/06\/ad_4nxfeom3ltinewdvj__nu7v4cer3lvu-lli_u_dpvar3yodzuafmrqbbvpyk4f85yfxdtvg7slliuokiqayq1pp-qxwmzzbeslymoodgpo5pelowdcjnwcruclrw95dxabajl3ifghqkeyvefsfxirb2c3khz-l9elzq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The First Birmingham Fire Department was founded in March 1805, and in 1808, the company built its office with a stone facade. It was located on Union Street. The construction cost was almost \u00a34,000. At that time, the fire service included a garage for crews, fire houses and stables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Until 1839, Birmingham <a href=\"https:\/\/montreal1.one\/uk\/eternal\/istoriya-rozvytku-ta-stanovlennya-pozhezhnoyi-sluzhby-monrealya-2753\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">firefighters<\/a> had two engines. One of them had a rather interesting design, it was decorated with battle-axes and iron fancy curls that were painted in different colours. The other vehicle was plain grey in colour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one of the illustrated weekly magazines of 1835, it was written that if a fire broke out in the premises of the Society of Friends, of which there were a large number in Birmingham. A grey car was sent to extinguish it. However, if the fire threatened the estate or movable property of Jews or gentiles, a painted fire engine was immediately called out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another peculiarity of the firefighters&#8217; work was that at the beginning of their existence, Birmingham did not have an organised municipal fire service, as it does today. Therefore, city residents had to buy insurance from several different insurance companies, which in turn offered firefighting services when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These insurance companies were represented by insurance agents, and Shawell&#8217;s Birmingham Dictionary states that the offices of insurance agents were so densely packed around Bennetts Hill and Colmore Row. There were serious suggestions that the street should be renamed Insurers Street. Rumour has it that it was suggested by one of the insurance agents, who was confident enough in himself and the work he was doing to suggest it in earnest. By the way, this area remains the financial district of Birmingham today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is known that fire insurance rates varied for different properties, but they ranged from 2 shillings 6 pence to \u00a3100 per year. After concluding an insurance contract with one of the companies, a special mark had to be attached to the client&#8217;s building as proof of insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another interesting fact. Sometimes it happened, especially in the early stages of the fire brigade&#8217;s work, that several insurance fire brigades would arrive at the scene of a fire. However, if the building was not insured or had a fire sign from another, competing insurance company, the firefighters would turn their vehicles around and return to base without a twinge of conscience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are even rumours that some fire brigades tried to sabotage the work of firefighters from a rival insurance company. This was the main reason why people had to spend money and insure their property with several companies at once to ensure that if an accident in the form of a fire occurred, it would be paid for. Property and lives would be saved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Birmingham_firefighters_in_the_twentieth_century\"><\/span>Birmingham firefighters in the twentieth century<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.birmingham1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/06\/ad_4nxckh-jr3x7cauoqqr1xbv_0o5f9ic4b1bh1wt82i24ciyahs8apg540cbizxlln9jrt5lchusw117zt1fek2mh9a0p9pb5obcfgbnahw5lwqh8c8k3ae_qdhptntjdxovonu1fvkeyvefsfxirb2c3khz-l9elzq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Nowadays, those interested in the history of firefighting in Birmingham have been conducting research to find the locations of the brave firefighters. But since most of the Georgian and Regency buildings in modern Birmingham have long since been demolished, it turned out to be a futile exercise. However, they did manage to find traces of the only old fire station, as well as several insurance company buildings. These buildings are now located near New Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of the fire brigade that operated in Birmingham in the 20th century, the historic building that once served as Birmingham&#8217;s central fire station still stands. Moreover, not so long ago, a few years ago, it was given a modern look. All this became possible after renovations carried out by the current owner of the building. The old fire station, located on the corner of Aston Street, was opened in 1935.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was designed by Herbert Humphreys together with his namesake Herbert Manzoni. In addition to being the home of Birmingham firefighters, it was the headquarters of the West Midlands Fire Service. However, from the very beginning, it was intended to be a fire station for Birmingham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The headquarters of the local fire department was built on a site that was already built up. So a tavern, the city&#8217;s weights and measures office and several other buildings had to be demolished to clear the site. An area of about 8,000 square yards was needed to build this particular building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the building site was cleared by October 1930, the foundation stone for the grand new building was not laid until four years later in 1934. The building was completed in early December 1935. Its cost was 157 thousand pounds. It was officially opened by the Duke of Kent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are testimonies from contemporaries about how modern it was in terms of technology. We are talking about electric lights that indicated which vehicles should go to the fire, loudspeakers to identify the location of the fire, as well as electronic engine start and door opening. There was a state-of-the-art rotary fire escape, which was believed to be the first such ladder in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_end_of_the_fire_station\"><\/span>The end of the fire station<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.birmingham1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/58\/2025\/06\/ad_4nxexuepaophzoxjbe_4ztx9yobwu40uhj3p8nw7nuwlmp5gdyylafngnc9yxwxlf14amo4laodawuq5wrubqnl2fb3qhfiekxfmqi5q6zemqqi05p0lrrmepjqfrcyxqxkiova6n8gkeyvefsfxirb2c3khz-l9elzq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, looking at the general plan of the building, one can get a complete picture of its functioning and the aspirations of the fire service of that time, until its nationalisation in 1941. Later, there were projects to build a 30-storey tower over the abandoned Birmingham Central Fire Station. But they were rejected by the neighbouring Aston University. They decided that the tower would resemble a tombstone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, the fire station closed its doors in 2006. Today, the building is home to hundreds of students, and in recent years it has become famous, as it has been featured on the TV shows Line of Duty and Grand Designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The building is now a student dormitory, and its owners have recently completed a modern interior renovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.birminghamconservationtrust.org\/2012\/12\/14\/birmingham-fire-office-the-early-beginnings-of-birminghams-fire-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.birminghamconservationtrust.org\/2012\/12\/14\/birmingham-fire-office-the-early-beginnings-of-birminghams-fire-service<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wmfs.net\/about-west-midlands-fire-service\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.wmfs.net\/about-west-midlands-fire-service\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/news\/property\/astons-historic-old-fire-station-23419831\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/news\/property\/astons-historic-old-fire-station-23419831<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today, the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service is the second largest fire and rescue service in England. It is responsible for an area of more than 902 km\u00b2, where almost 3 million people live. Another feature of the work of Midland firefighters is the fact that they serve a very diverse and multicultural community [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":326,"featured_media":3968,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1168],"tags":[2753,2742,2750,2752,2743,2744,2746,2748,2749,2747,2751,2745],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[83],"class_list":{"0":"post-3967","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-jobs","8":"tag-birmingham-firefighters","9":"tag-fire","10":"tag-fire-barrel","11":"tag-fire-brigade","12":"tag-fire-engine","13":"tag-fire-ladder","14":"tag-fire-station","15":"tag-fire-trolley","16":"tag-firefighters","17":"tag-hose","18":"tag-insurance","19":"tag-tower","20":"moimportance-golovna-novina","21":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","22":"motype-eternal","23":"moformat-vlasna"},"modified_by":"Borys Liakhu","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3967","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/326"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3967"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3967\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3983,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3967\/revisions\/3983"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3968"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3967"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3967"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3967"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3967"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}