This building was used by the regular Fire Brigade and the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) during the war. Over 28,000 additional fire fighters were needed to support the existing brigades and the AFS was formed in January 1938 as conflict loomed. Supplementary fire stations were set up in schools, garages and factories.
The AFS welcomed those too old, or too young to go to war. Volunteers were issued with a basic uniform comprising a steel helmet, rubber boots, trousers and waterproof leggings – although shortages limited some recruits to old Post Office uniforms. Operations were often hampered by the lack of compatible equipment amongst brigades – for example there was no standard hydrant valve for connecting fire hoses to the water supply when tackling a blaze.
Fire-fighting was a very demanding and dangerous job. Many of the bombs were dropped on industrial premises which housed highly flammable materials. Most bombing raids happened at night and firefighters spent long hours extinguishing the flames, so rescue teams could get victims to hospital as quickly as possible.
The fire service in Greater London was organised on a flexible basis and during heavy raids fire fighters, including auxiliaries, from neighbouring districts could be called on to assist by a central operations room. In May 1941 five Mitcham auxiliaries were killed during a raid whilst tackling a , theatre fire in Elephant and Castle.
Auxiliary firefighters were part time and unpaid, although they could be called up for full time work if required. Women also joined the AFS but mainly served in administrative roles. The Auxiliary Fire Service and the local brigades finally amalgamated in August 1941 to form the National Fire Service.
