This week we have been investigating and comparing changes to firefighting over time. Before the Great Fire, firefighting methods were very basic. After the Great Fire, new and improved techniques were put in place.
 

People used leather buckets and hand squirts filled with water, but it was hard to get hold of the equipment because there wasn’t enough. London was divided into four areas each with its own firefighting service and equipment. Hand pulled engines were used and by the 18th century, horse drawn fire engines were used. By 1832 there were 15 separate fire brigades which was difficult to organise so the London Fire Brigade was formed. 
 

LS Firefighters now and then