Full details of new additions to the site will be posted on this page with links where appropriate.

07.09.08.
Additional pictures have been added to the Preston C.B. Libary page of the HPV in service with Somerset Fire Brigade thanks to Gary Chapman.   The ex-Cheshire F8, currently posted on the Marple Library page is still in preservation.  I am most grateful to its new owner Phill Griffin for a recent picture.  Hopefully more pictures of this appliance will emerge as its restoration progresses.

01.09.08.
Updated appliance pictures appear on the Whitehill and Offerton pages plus a long-overdue 'in service' picture on the Marple page.

28.08.08.
Over 100 pictures from the Fire & Rescue Expo and the World Fire Fighter Games in Liverpool have been added.  Apologies for the poor quality of many of the photographs. As will be obvious, they were taken on what must have been the dullest day of the year!   I hope you can still enjoy them.

26.08.08.
A fuller tribute to Tommy Walsh has been added on this his funeral day.

25.08.08.
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service held another superb open day this weekend at Agecroft Fire Station.  Again I have created a separate page to show many of the exhibits, plus updated appliance pictures have been added to the Agecroft, Whitehill, GMC USAR, and Broughton pages and the Rochdale C.B. Library page.

23.08.08.
Many thanks to Steve Miller for an excellent picture of the ex-Greater Manchester ALP with Tayside which appears on the Leigh Library page.

22.08.08.
When this site was first launched in 2001, it was my intention to concentrate on the current fire scene in the north-west.   Occasional historical pictures gradually crept in, but it was with the initial help and encouragement of two gentlemen, Arthur Collier and Tommy Walsh, that the library pages began to grow significantly from early 2006 to their present very welcome size. Both of these gentleman have become firm friends over the last 30 months or so.  It is with deepest regret that I have to announce that Tommy Walsh passed away earlier this week at the age of 60.  For some time, Tommy was a fireman at Hindley Fire Station, and maintained his interest right until his death.  His passion was for Lancashire County Fire Brigade ~ the brigade he joined before Hindley became part of GMC in 1974.   Only a few weeks ago, despite failing health, he was able to make a visit to Washington Hall Training Centre.  I hope all visitors will join me in sending our most heartfelt sympathy to Elaine and the family at this very sad time.   May he rest in peace.

Another significant milestone has now been reached with the addition of the 'missing' appliance from Cumbria.  The Wigton page was the only one left on the site not to include a picture of the current appliance.  That has now been rectified and in that sense the site is now complete. However, it's a bit like re-painting the Forth Bridge.  Just when the task is complete, it's time to start again to keep the current scene updated, and of course the library section will continue to grow as I already have hundreds of additional pictures to include as and when time permits.   An updated picture appears on the Coniston Library page.

Finally, my thanks once more to Barrie Green for a superb 'period' shot added to the Chester Library page.

17.08.08.
Thanks once again to the generosity of Barrie Green I have been able to add a number of very interesting pictures to the City of Chester Library page plus Cheshire's 'new' low-loader appears on the Training School/Workshops page.

16.08.08.
Congratulations to all who helped organise the Open Day at Bolton Central Fire Station.  Hundreds of people turned out to support the Fire Fighters Charity.  A separate page has been created to mark the event with a mix of general shots and a variety of appliances that attended.  Also a number of other appliance pictures have been updated.  These are included on the Lancashire USAR, Bolton North, Atherton, Bury, Bolton Central, Farnworth, and  GMC USAR pages.

15.08.08.
With family holidays now complete, I hope to resume more frequent updates, beginning with an exclusive set of pictures of the new GMC USAR vehicle.

08.08.08.
Many visitors to this site will be aware that 3 fire fighters from Green Watch at Bolton Central were injured recently during a fatal house fire.  One of the fire fighters, Steve Morris, received 50% burns to his body.  A link has been included on the WELCOME PAGE where donations can be made to the Fire Fighters Charity [formerly the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund].  Updates on Steve's condition can be found via the same link.

01.08.08.
The link to Wallasey W6 seems to exist no longer and has therefore been removed.  A long overdue link to Tarleton Fire Station website has been added.

30.07.08.
With the arrival of more new Volvos in GMC, I have added an additional page for Leigh T.S.C.    I am very grateful to Steve Miller for supplying pictures of the 3 new MRVs in Cumbria, which appear on the Workington page, the Barrow-in-Furness page along with a full line up of appliances there, and the Kendal page along with the additional Prime Mover.  [ The Volvo MRV pictures have all been moved to the corresponding Library pages.]  Finally a picture of the last remaining Talbot LFA has been added to the Bolton North page.

24.07.08.
Having been summoned from my bed at 0320 this morning to help on the SACU, I was able to get a number of dramatic shots of the incident at Vibe in Bolton.

20.07.08.
75 hours into the incident at Horwich, there are still 6 pumps in attendance.  Updated appliance pictures have been added to the Bolton Central, Hyde and Wigan pages.

19.07.08.
A new page has been created for the recent incident at Armstrongs in Horwich.  In addition several appliance pictures have also been updated on the Horwich, Bolton North, Philips Park, Farnworth, Leigh, Bolton Central and Manchester Central.

15.07.08.
A variety of appliances from Merseyside have been added or updated.   Included for the first time in most cases, are the New Dimension Prime Movers for the USAR team at TDA, plus the Special Rescue Team Appliances and the new Scania at Croxteth.  Dennis G401EKA is now in the Training Fleet and also appears on the TDA page.   A couple of additional pictures have been added to the Croxteth Library page.  A new picture of Warrington Fire Station in Cheshire completes the current scene.
I am very grateful to Andrew Daley who has made available of a number of pictures from his collection, which cover the Merseyside area.   Part one is listed below.

ALLERTON ~ 9012LV
BOOTLE ~ AEM985
CANNING PLACE ~ A54HKC ~ B593NPL
CROXTETH ~ 3200KB [Control Unit] ~ 1782KC
HATTON GARDEN ~ 512CKA ~ 1786KC
KIRKDALE ~ 9750KF ~ B919KWM ~ B924KWM
SPEKE/GARSTON ~ A49HKC
TOXTETH ~ B925KWM
WEST KIRBY ~ 941NMB

11.07.08.
Firstly an apology for the lack of updates recently, especially to those who have sent pictures for inclusion on the site.  I have suddenly found that in retirement I have less free time than when I was working!!!  However, things should calm down again in the next few days and hopefully I can catch up with a number of outstanding pictures I wish to include.  This mini update shows a possibly unique picture from Newton-le-Willows with 3 fire station buildings still in situ.   I have changed the pictures of the Bedford TK on the Wigan C.B. page and added additional pictures of a GMC Ford after a collision, to the Bury Library page.

29.06.08.
New contributors Darren Newton and Tim Hothersall have very kindly sent in pictures of two fires in Accrington in 2007, the first at Music Box and the second at Tommy Blanks Tyre Depot.

27.06.08.
Many thanks to Gary Steele for supplying a picture of GMCs 5th Prime Mover which appears on the Stretford page.  Thanks also to Simon Ryan for a picture of the 2 new Prime Movers which can be found on the Merseyside Miscellaneous Page.

25.06.08.
The line up of Leyland 60s has now been moved to the Lancashire Miscellaneous Page.   I hope to update many of the Cheshire pages in the coming weeks.  With the arrival of a number of new appliances, other appliances are being reallocated.  It seems likely that most of the Mercedes 1124s will be joining the reserve or training fleets.  The Bollington, Stockton Heath and Northwich pages have been updated, whilst an improved picture of the ALP at Macclesfield has also been included.  Finally in this update, an interesting picture of the former Bedford Control Unit has been added to the Fulwood Library page.

19.06.08.
I have just returned from a short break in Europe, and whilst I was away I was notified of the sudden death of Clifford C. Ashton, who was probably the most prolific photographers of major fires throughout the North West and beyond for over 60 years.   I am sure that many older visitors to this site will be very familiar with the name and possibly the person as well.  A fuller tribute has been added.
There have been no updates of Lancashire appliances for over 3 months, but that has now been rectified with a full revision of pictures of appliances currently based at the Service Training Centre.  Also included are an updated appliance picture on both the Hyndburn and the Penwortham pages.

10.06.08.
Another varied selection of pictures from a variety of sources beginning with an updated picture of one of the Volvo DTVs on the GMC Miscellaneous page.
Michael Smith has kindly sent in more pictures including the Water Rescue Unit at Chester, the former Banks Road fire station in Merseyside, the 'missing' SS at Southport and another SS which appears on the Allerton Library page.
I remain indebted to Arthur Collier who regularly comes up with interesting blasts from the past.  One of the early GMC Fords has been added to the Wigan Library page, and a revised picture of the Bedford SLZ TL appears on the Ashton-under Lyne Library page.  Another Bedford TL with an ERF HP has been added to the Worsley Workshops page.  Finally, a couple of fascinating pictures of a Turntable Ladder spanning the River Mersey at Stockport have been added to the Whitehill Library page.

06.06.08.
The new Volvos for GMC are receiving their registration plates, with one illustrated on the Miscellaneous page.

01.06.08.
Following a major fire in Warmingham recently, a number of appliance pictures have been updated.  These appear on the Holmes Chapel, Winsford, Sandbach, Northwich and Salford pages.

25.05.08.
The 'mixed-bag' theme continues, beginning with a line up of appliances at Birkenhead kindly supplied by Paul McLean.  Another new name to the site is Tom Jefferson who has sent in a superb picture of the new MAN at Chester.   I am grateful to Tony Kent who is still working very hard to find older pictures not already shown on the site.  A number of pictures this time from Cheshire appear on the following Library Pages:

CHESHIRE MISCELLANEOUS ~ A730HBA
CREWE ~ EFM560S ~ HFM711X  [N.B. FLG649K has been moved to this page from the Northwich page where is was placed in error.]
ELLESMERE PORT ~ XMB497M
NORTHWICH ~ FLG647K
WIDNES ~ E460XLG x2

23.05.08.
HOT NEWS ~ Greater Manchester's 'new-look' Volvo FLH appears on the Cheadle page.

22.05.08.
Another miscellany of pictures from a variety of sources, beginning with a recent discovery of my own on the Wigton Library page.   Malcolm Nuttall has provided two very intersting historical pictures which appear on the Barnoldswick Library page.  Staying in the East Lancashire area, Tom Watson has provided another couple of interesting pictures for the Burnley Library page which date back to County Borough days.  Finally, a selection of pictures from one of our young, but nonetheless highly respected photographers ~ Twiss Bakery in Ince, from Ryan Walsh.

19.05.08.
Pictures from a large fire [first seen 20 miles away] on the Sankey Valley Industrial Estate, plus updated appliance pictures on the Eccleston and Whiston pages.  Continuing with Merseyside, Simon Ryan has again kindly provided additional pictures, this time of the crane lorry which appear on the Miscellaneous Page.

16.05.08.
Further pictures of one of GMCs new Volvos appear on the Miscellaneous page.   Many thanks to Gary Steele who has very generously provided pictures of the Cumbria's new Water Carrier/Training Vehicle which appears on the Penrith page, plus a reserve Volvo pump which appears on the Carlisle Library page.  Finally, a GPV/IMU appears on the Merseyside Miscellaneous page.

10.05.08.
New pictures of the Scania CPP have been posted on the Merseyside Miscellaneous page courtesy of Simon Ryan.  I am still finding older pictures in my own collection, and have added some from a fire in a scrapyard in Altham in 2001.

09.05.08.
The Cheshire TRVs are now also being used as second appliances at certain stations.  Pictures have been added to the Nantwich and Winsford pages.   Updated pictures have been added to the Northwich and Stockport pages.   Finally in this update, the new Rescue Boat appears on the Merseyside Miscellaneous page.

30.04.08.
Keith Howarth has very generously dug into the archives again for another interesting selection of pictures which appear on the following pages:

ANCOATS MILL FIRE
BROMBOROUGH [BEBINGTON] ~ FMA292B
CHADDERTON ~ KTD615K
CROSBY ~ 281NTF ~ DTJ954J ~ LTC391K ~ LTC401K
EARBY ~ OLD FIRE STATION
FARNWORTH ~ 30CTB
HAZEL GROVE ~ OLD FIRE STATION
MORECAMBE ~ 537UTF
ORMSKIRK ~ TEMPORARY FIRE STATION
RAINFORD ~ 279WTC
STALYBRIDGE ~ YTU390 [Hi-Ex F.U.]
STRETFORD ~ RTE138C x2

27.04.08.
I am indebted to Tony Richards of www.lakelandcam.co.uk for generously supplying pictures of the recent fire in Market Cross, Ambleside.

26.04.08.
I was privileged yesterday to be invited to Eccles Fire Station for a Ministerial Visit by the Rt. Hon. Hazel Blears, M.P.   During the course of her visit, a number of new appliances were officially handed over.  A special page has been created linked also to the Eccles Home Page.  In addition, updated pictures also appear on the Agecroft page.

22.04.08.
Another selection of 'golden oldies' from the Arthur Collier collection appear on the following pages:

DARWEN ~ TD3473
HORNBY ~ LTF211
HORWICH ~ TB6995
LEIGH ~ HORSE DRAWN APPLIANCE
WHITEHILL ~ EDB999C

19.04.08.
Another new MAN appliance for Cheshire has been added to the Miscellaneous Page, with special thanks to Barrie Green.

14.04.08.
The first batch of new Volvos for GMC is almost complete.  Additional pictures have been included on the GMC Miscellaneous page.

08.04.08.
A further 6 pictures have been added to the 10 pump incident at Bradshaw's with grateful thanks to Steven Etchells.

05.04.08.
Bradshaw's International Removals in Trafford Park was the scene of a major fire today.  As well as pictures of the incident, updated appliance pictures appear on the Ashton-under-Lyne, Broughton, Salford, Agecroft, Philips Park, Moss Side, Eccles and Stretford pages.
Remember ~ all incidents included from 1949 can be accessed from the Incident Library.

02.04.08.
Dramatic pictures of the fire at Radcliffe Independent Methodist Church have been added.

31.03.08.
My sincere thanks to all who have helped me achieve over 1 million page hits in the first three months of this year.   An updated picture of the IRU appears on the Stalybridge page.

28.03.08.
Another mixed bag in this update.  Firstly, welcome to another newcomer to the site. Major Nigel Tansley has very kindly supplied some pictures of the incident at Travis Perkins at Ainsworth recently.   Also my thanks to Michael Smith who has supplied a couple of pictures of former fire stations in Merseyside.  These appear on the Old Swan and Bootle Library pages.  From Paul Warnock comes an updated picture of the 'Marine Fire 1' which appears on the Merseyside Miscellaneous page ~ thanks, Paul.  Finally, all three catering units are back on the run in GMC.  A picture of the 'A' unit now appears on the Salford page, whilst the 'C' unit picture has moved to the Whitehill page.

21.03.08.
EASTER EXCLUSIVE.  It is a great privilege to be able to bring the first picture of one of the new GMC Volvo FLs with bodywork by JDC.  It appears on the GMC Miscellaneous page.

19.03.08.
The latest new Volvo [number 6 of 8] for GMC has recently gone on the run at Horwich.  The new appliance for Whitefield is also added, plus an updated picture of the Sale Foam Tanker.

17.03.08.
Merseyside continues to be one of the forerunners in innovation.  Recently added to the fleet are a pair of jet skis, which will be joining the Marine Unit.  Pictures appear on the Merseyside Miscellaneous page along with a picture of the new Ariel Rescue Pump caught 'on the road'.   A refurbished Dennis SS is now on the run at Bromborough where it is used as a Hazmat Pump.  Finally an additional picture is included of one of the Scanias at Wallasey.

14.03.08.
Two former Lancashire Leylands have recently passed into private ownership, with G141JFR on the Fulwood Library page and K156SCK on the Skelmersdale Library page.   My thanks go the present owner for allowing their inclusion.

13.03.08.
The Merseyside Library Pages update promised this time last month, is now online, with grateful thanks to Tony Kent for the supply of an additional 50 pictures.  With the addition of a Formby Library page, there is now a library page for every station in the five brigades covered.

AINTREE ~ NTJ89S
ALLERTON ~ RLV34T ~ B918KWM x2
BANKHALL ~ PCM662 ~ DKD928C ~ XKB926W ~ XKB927W
BELLE VALE ~ PKC468S ~ ACM409X ~ DWM611Y
BIRKENHEAD ~ TFY825V ~ DWM607Y
BOOTLE/NETHERTON ~ HEM698H ~ NHF289S ~ DWM614Y
BROMBOROUGH ~ NHF288S ~ B922KWM
CITY CENTRE ~ RLV30T ~ TFY820V ~ACM404X ~ B921KWM
CROSBY ~ RLV38T
CROXTETH ~ 3200KB
ECCLESTON ~ RLV37T ~ DWM606Y
FORMBY ~ NTJ90S [NEW PAGE]
HESWALL ~ RLV39T x2
HUYTON ~ ACM407X
KIRKBY ~ TFY824V
NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS ~ NHF285S
OLD SWAN ~ NHF283S ~ RLV35T
ST. HELENS ~ PKC470S ~ TFY823V ~ DMB721X x2 ~ A48HKC
SOUTHPORT ~ NHF281S ~ NTJ100S ~ PKC474S
SPEKE/GARSTON ~ DKD930C ~ LEM840R ~ RLV33T ~ TFV828V
TOXTETH ~ RLV32T
UPTON ~ PKC472S ~ ACM408X
WALLASEY ~ RXP868
 

07.03.08.
Further New Dimension Prime Movers are in the process of being allocated to brigades with one of the early ones going to Bolton.

05.03.08.
An improved picture of Lancashire's latest DTV has been added to the Training Page. Updated fire station pictures have been added to the Blackpool and Bispham pages whilst the latest ND Prime Mover appears on the South Shore page along with the new Environmental Pod.  To round off this update, another couple of pictures of the Mariner's Hotel incident have been added.

28.02.08.
The new MAN appliances in Cheshire are becoming operational.  Winsford is the first recipient whilst the second will go to Chester.   An additional picture of the OSU has been included on the Winsford page, whilst the Atego moves to the Winsford Library Page.  Other updated appliance pictures appear on the Crewe, Stockton Heath and Cheshire Training School/Workshops pages.  One of the GMC vehicles not previously included is added to the Warrington Library page.

25.02.08.
Today I was privileged to be invited to join the crew of GMCs West Water Incident Unit at a training session in Salford Quays.  I have prepared a new page featuring pictures of what for me was a most enjoyable morning.  All the appliances present are also included.

23.02.08.
As promised recently, a further update has taken place of the Irlam page.

17.02.08.
A new incident library page has been created for the fire at the Mariners Hotel, Bispham in August last year from Mark Hopton.  I have also added some of my own incident pictures from the 1970s and 1980s, including a 20 pump Mill Fire in Miles Platting, a Mill Fire in Ancoats and a Trailer Park fire in Failsworth.

16.02.08.
An unexpected, but most welcome selection of more pictures in Cumbria from new contributor Michael Todhunter.   Every station in Cumbria now has at least one Library picture.    The pictures appear on the following pages:

ASPATRIA ~ Y207WRM
COCKERMOUTH LIBRARY PAGE ~ 278JAO ~ M247RRM
DALTON-IN-FURNESS ~ R754URM
EGREMONT ~ Y208WRM
FRIZINGTON LIBRARY PAGE ~ TRM779X [NEW PAGE]
SEASCALE ~ P284DAO
ULVERSTON ~ R753URM
WALNEY ~ N527WRM

15.02.08.
At last I have a decent appliance picture on the Irlam page, albeit that this particular picture will be very short-lived.   Also included in this update are the new appliances at Farnworth, and a line-up of various appliances at Leigh T.S.C. on the GMC Miscellaneous page.  The Farnworth Library page has been updated to include the V registered Volvos.

14.02.08.
A selection of library pictures from Lancashire with the Stretford & Urmston Fire Brigade TL added to the Stretford page, and a Karrier Composite appliance on the Darwen page.  A separate page has now been created for Blackburn County Borough, with pictures of the 1953 Beford and the Dennis F108 from 1972 now included.

13.02.08.
A general, but nonetheless I hope interesting update which begins with pictures of Lancashire's new 'off-road' vehicle on the Miscellaneous page.  Paul Warnock has kindly provided a 'limo' picture for the Fleetwood Library page, and it's a very warm welcome back to Michael Smith following a period of hospitalisation [hope you are recovering well, Michael] who has provided a picture of one of the Cheshire TRVs on the Chester page.

12.02.08.
As promised, a more modest update of pictures covering the Cumbria area.  Accordingly I have been able to create a number of new Libary pages, thanks once again to the generosity of Tony Kent.

ALSTON ~ BAO299T
APPLEBY ~ PHH907R ~ A756DRM
ASPATRIA ~ BAO293T
BARROW-IN-FURNESS ~ A92EAO ~ D94UHH ~ E999AHH ~ F112HAO ~ H482TRM ~ H483TRM
BRAMPTON ~ E994AHH [NEW PAGE]
BROUGHTON-IN-FURNESS ~ BAO291T ~ L215KAO
CARLISLE ~ C855MAO ~ E994AHH ~ E995AHH ~ G790OAO ~ G791OAO
COCKERMOUTH ~ BAO292T ~ D94UHH
CONISTON ~ J760XHH
CUMBRIA MISCELLANEOUS ~ D96UHH x2 [NEW PAGE]
EGREMONT ~ A754DRM [NEW PAGE]
KESWICK ~ PRM319R
KIRKBY LONSDALE ~ WHH33Y [NEW PAGE]
LAZONBY ~ UAO645S ~ TRM781X
LONGTOWN ~ BAO301T [NEW PAGE]
MILLOM ~ WHH30Y [NEW PAGE]
MILNTHORPE ~ BAO295T
PENRITH ~ REC840R x2 ~ E996AHH
SEASCALE ~ BAO301T
SEDBERGH ~ A755DRM
SILLOTH ~ BAO289T x2 [NEW PAGE]
ULVERSTON ~ E995AHH
WHITEHAVEN ~ D540TRM x2 ~ E997AHH ~ G793OAO
WIGTON ~ B22HRM [NEW PAGE]
WINDERMERE ~ BAO297T
WORKINGTON ~ PEC798Y ~ D98UHH

Appliance pictures have also been added to the current Millom and Bootle pages.
The next major update to the Library section will cover Merseyside ~ coming soon!

03.02.08.
It's that time of year again when I get struck down with the dreaded lurgy!  Just a mini update with a welcome rear end shot of one of the Busmar bodied Bedford TKs at Leigh.  The next major update of library pictures will cover the Cumbria area.

27.01.08.
Thank you for the many favourable comments already received following yesterday's update.  I am extremely grateful to Tony Kent and Nigel Rowbottom for supplying between them, the missing Leyland and Volvo pictures which are now added to the Blackley, Agecroft and Irlam library pages.  Many thanks, also to Group Commander Ken Brown of GMCF&RS for updated information on URJ789S which has accordingly been moved to the Whitefield Library page.

26.01.08.
As the winter drags on, making little time for updating the current scene, I am taking this opportunity to include a MEGA [OVER 200 PICTURES] GREATER MANCHESTER LIBRARY UPDATE.  There are now just 12 pictures needed [9 Fords, 2 Leylands and 1 Volvo] before EVERY APPLIANCE purchased by GMC is available on this site.   Those included in this update are mainly from the collection of the late Alan Gartside, a photographer highly respected by Brigades and Enthusiasts alike.  It is a great privilege to be able to share Alan's pictures.  They can be found as listed on the following pages:

AGECROFT ~ EVM952T ~ B967RBA ~ H244CVR
ALTRINCHAM ~ URJ786S ~ AND127Y ~ F62ENB
ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE ~ OVU860R ~ URJ788S ~ LNF92V ~ BNB707Y ~ D769NNB ~ G107RBA ~ G108RBA
ATHERTON ~ OVU846R
BLACKLEY ~ OVU854R ~ ENB645T ~ ENB646T ~ GNF709V ~ A26JDB ~ A27JDB ~ G418RJA ~ G419RJA
BOLTON CENTRAL ~ ANC777T ~ ANC778T ~ ANC779T ~ AND409T ~ A33JDB ~ C434AND ~ G414RJA ~ G415RJA
BOLTON NORTH ~ OVU843P ~ ENB658T ~ SVR387X ~ C747DNF ~ E461WND
BROUGHTON ~ BND310T ~ C745DNF ~ C746DNF ~ H374FBA ~ H375 FBA
BURY ~ NVM178P ~ OVU856R ~ TNF159X ~ TNF162X ~ A929JBU x2 ~ D764NNB ~ D765NNB ~ N376YNC
CHADDERTON ~ ENB659T ~ ENB660T ~ C751DNF ~ C752DNF
CHEADLE ~ URJ794S ~ N653YNC
ECCLES ~ URJ784S ~ URJ785S ~ WBA545S ~ ADB194Y ~ B645UDB/VDB ~ E192WNA ~ E193WNA
FARNWORTH ~ LTC730K ~ EVM941T ~ EVM942T ~ C42YBA ~ C538YRJ ~ C749DNF ~ C750DNF ~ K206VVU
GORTON ~ ENB641T ~ A30JDB ~ A695MNC ~ F67ENB ~ F68ENB
HEYWOOD ~ OVU849R ~ URJ796S ~ NBU719W ~ NBU720W ~ FVR55Y ~ A652OJA ~ A653OJA ~ E458WND ~ E460WND
HINDLEY ~ URJ793S
HOLLINS ~ ONB488P ~ NBU718W ~ OVR29W ~ D763NNB
HORWICH ~ URJ792S ~ ENB643T
HYDE ~ TBA260R ~ FVR56Y ~ C748DNF ~ K129XRJ
IRLAM ~ OVU855R ~ URJ787S ~ K211VVU
LEIGH ~ OVU844R ~ LNF93V ~ NBU715W ~ NBU716W ~ E194WNA ~ E195WNA
LITTLEBOROUGH ~ URJ797S ~ H378FBA ~ H380FBA [NEW PAGE]
MANCHESTER CENTRAL ~ A24JDB ~ A25JDB ~ C434AND ~ C743DNF
MANCHESTER MISCELLANEOUS ~ C537YRJ ~ D49MVM ~ D965RRJ ~ E317WRJ
MARPLE ~ OVU847R
MOSSLEY ~ F41HND
MOSS SIDE ~ PBA862R ~ EVM943T ~ EVM944T ~ ADB192Y ~ ADB193Y ~ C753DNF ~ H384FBA
OFFERTON ~ OVU851R ~ WBA546S
OLDHAM ~ OVU857R ~ EVM947T ~ EVM948T ~ BVM544Y x2 ~ A650OJA ~ A651OJA ~ F37HND ~ F38HND x2 ~ G199SRJ ~ M696NNC
PHILIPS PARK ~ NVM180P ~ ENB647T ~ ENB648T ~ GRJ298V ~ A28JDB ~ A29JDB ~ F65ENB ~ M695NNC
RAMSBOTTOM ~ OVU853R ~ URJ790S ~ G103RBA ~ G104RBA ~ M319NVU
ROCHDALE ~ OVU850R ~ OVU855R ~ ENB644T ~ NNC19W ~ B968RBA ~ B969RBA ~ H378FBA ~ H380FBA
SALE ~ ONB489P ~ OVU848R ~ EVM949T ~ EVM950T ~ A959ONB ~ G412RJA ~ G413RJA
SALFORD ~ GNE59V ~ GNE60V ~ VVM440X ~ A648OJA ~ A649OJA ~ D759NNB ~ D760NNB ~ H376FBA ~ H377FBA ~ N377YNC
STALYBRIDGE ~ OVU858R ~ OVU859R ~ B970RBA ~ E457WND
STOCKPORT ~ TNF157X ~ TNF158X ~ D767NNB ~ D768NNB ~ F42HND ~ P990JRJ
STRETFORD ~ TNF161X ~ TNF165X ~ BVM543Y ~ D761NNB ~ D762NNB ~ H501DND
WHITEFIELD~ URJ789S ~ K207VVU
WHITEHILL ~ GNE58V ~ D766NNB
WIGAN ~ EVM945T ~ EVM946T ~ NNC18W ~ A22JDB ~ A23JDB ~ A696MNC
WITHINGTON ~ URJ791S ~ M693NNC
WYTHENSHAWE ~ NVM181P ~ LNE536V ~ TNF163X ~ TNF164X ~ E197WNA

PLEASE NOTE: THE EARLY FORDS WERE FREQUENTLY MOVED AROUND AND THE ALLOCATION SHOWN IN THE LIST ABOVE WAS NOT NECESSARILY THE ORIGINAL ALLOCATION, AND THAT MANY MAY HAVE BEEN PART OF THE RESERVE FLEET WHEN PHOTOGRAPHED.

I am grateful to Ian Moore for the pictures of Ford NVM182P at Salford and OVU852R at Blackley
and to Keith Howarth for the picture of former Farnworth appliance OVU845R.  There also pictures from John Shakespeare on the Bolton Library page which conclude this part of the update,

It has been a long 10 days preparing the above, and consequently there are some current images to include also.  There has been a change to the second appliance at Bamber Bridge and the second new Driver Training Vehicle has been added to the Lancashire Training page.  Serious flooding in Radcliffe appears on a new incident page, whilst updated appliance pictures also appear on the Bolton North and Farnworth pages.  Finally, I managed to photograph all 8 new Volvos at Leigh T.S.C. and so I have created a second page for their inclusion.    In connection with this, there is also an update on the Eccles page.

15.01.08.
This update includes another selection of GMC pictures from Tony Kent, GMC and Lancashire pictures from Paul Warnock and Lancashire pictures from Ken Reid MBE.  Many thanks to you all.

ALTRINCHAM ~ AND406T with OSU
ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE ~ OVU853R
BARNOLDSWICK ~ CWT759H
BLACKPOOL ~ 405JFR
IRLAM ~ ENB649T
LANCASHIRE MISCELLANEOUS ~ "FW1986"
LANCASHIRE TRAINING ~ H801YRN
MOSSLEY ~ URJ792S
ORMSKIRK ~ FTB316F
SALFORD ~ LNF95V
STALYBRIDGE ~ B971RBA

09.01.08.
Updated pictures of both the fire station and the mobile fire station appear on the Lancaster page.   Details of brand new appliances appear on the Eccles and Farnworth pages.

08.01.08.
Congratulations to IAN MOOREwho is the winner of this year's Christmas Quiz with a magnificent score of 39/40.  Well done, Ian.  I look forward to taking you to TVAC very soon.  Well done to everyone else who took part and sent in their answers.  There were a number who scored over 30, but this year Ian was the outright winner.  Thank you all for your interest.

07.01.08.
I am delighted to welcome yet another new contributor to the site ~ Tony Kent.  Tony has very kindly supplied a number of 'missing' pictures for the GMC Library Section as detailed below:

ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE ~ K783ANC ~ K784ANC
ATHERTON ~ G417RJA x2
HINDLEY ~ G416RJA x2
HOLLINS ~ H382FBA
LEIGH ~ K64XBA x2
MANCHESTER CENTRAL ~ E777WBU
MOSSLEY ~ L609DDB
OFFERTON ~ L980ENC
WHITEHILL ~ K789ANC
WIGAN ~ H379FBA ~ H381FBA

06.01.08.
***A final reminder that Christmas Quiz entries must be received by midnight tonight.***
Some more older pictures beginning with the last new appliance delivered to Burnley County Borough from Simon Ryan, whilst from Paul Warnock comes an additional picture for the Keswick Library page plus a revised picture of the Shelvoke TL on the Whitehill Libary page.

05.01.08.
The first historical update of 2008 deals predominantly with Blackpool.  I am very grateful to Mark Hopton for a variety of pictures which go right back to the laying of the foundation stone at Albert Road in 1900.   Due to the large number of photographs I have now created a separate page for Blackpool Fire Brigade, with other pictures on the Blackpool and South Shore Library pages.  In addtion, Mark has provided a picture of the Protototype Leyland Freighter which has been added to the Lancashire Miscellaneous page, a picture of the Tarleton Bedford TK and finally another picture of the Commer QX has been added to the AspatriaLibrary page.

03.01.08.
Firstly a reminder that Christmas Quiz answers must be in by midnight next Sunday.  No one has yet got all 40 right, so even if you are struggling with some answers, it could still be worthwhile entering.
I am indebted to Bill Jopson for travelling specially to Barrow-in-Furness and for the supply of pictures from an 8 pump incident in the town.  Updated appliance pictures appear on the Ulverston, Kendaland Walney pages.  Following a serious house fire in Westhoughton, updated appliance pictures also appear on the Broughton and Leigh pages.

01.01.08.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all visitors to this web site a very Happy and Peaceful 2008.
Again there has been substantial growth on the site throughout 2007.  I know that many have been pleased to see an increase in the number of historical pictures included, and I can promise more during 2008.   My aim of 2,500 pictures on the site by the end of the year has been exceeded by over 100 and it was a delight to end the year with a record breaking number of monthly page hits ~ over 340, 000.  There are now over 500 pages to browse.  Thank you very much indeed to all who support this site.
Looking forward to 2008, I have already promised more historical pictures and hopefully I shall be able to keep up with the 'modern' scene.  The Cumbria section is much more up to date than it was 12 months ago, and I hope to improve it even further this year.
Once again, a very big thank you to the Management Team and all the Staff at TVAC for making me so welcome again during 2007.   I have also received much help and support for the various Fire and Rescue Services and again I offer my sincere thanks to you all.  Finally, the growth and success of this site would be sorely hindered without the help of all those kind individuals who send in pictures or lend photographic collections.  A very big thank you to you all.   And so to 2008..........

29.12.07.
This 'catch-up' update begins with a couple of AFS pictures, with a 'Green Goddess' at Morecambe and Control Unit at Chorley courtesy of Bill Jopson. A line up of Fords is added to the Crosby Library page, and I am grateful to Andy McVean for his picture on the Whitehaven Library page. Simon Ryan has provided a very interesting from 1913 which appears on the Hatton Garden page, whilst from Ken Reid comes another picture of the old fire station at Barrow-in-Furness.   Thanks to Paul McLean who has sent in an excellent night time shot which appears on the Speke/Garston Library page.  A further shot from Ken Reid, this time showing the 1935 Turntable Ladder from Bury.  Finally, another prime mover has been added to the Birkenhead page courtesy of Dave York.

28.12.07.
Two more pictures from the 1950s have been added to the Ashton-under-Lyne Library page.  I am grateful to Simon Ryan for updating some of the information from the update of 22.12.07. and also for an additional picture of EK126 on the Wigan Libary page.

27.12.07.
I am delighted to be able to complete the line up of Busmar bodied Bedfords at Leigh, thanks to the generosity of Keith Howarth.

25.12.07.
A very Happy Christmas to all visitors to the site.  May it be a time of peace for all of us and may we never forget the dedication and bravery of our firefighters, to whom we owe so much.  Special thoughts for those in Warwickshire.

22.12.07.
This historical update begins with the rectification of a serious omission.  Neal Glover's Austin K2 now appears on the newly created Lazonby Library page.
The historical theme continues with a variety of pictures on the Leigh, Wigan, Atherton, Hindley, and Bury Library pages, and the Lancashire Miscellaneous page ranging from 1890 to the 1960s provided courtesy of the Wigan Archives Service.

20.12.07.
To those who bookmark this page, please go to the WELCOME page where you can WIN A VISIT TO TVAC in this year's Christmas Quiz.
Beginning this update are pictures from my final visit of the year to TVACplus a mixed bag of photos from around the region including an updated appliance picture on the Clitheroe page.  GMC have a new Fire Scene Investigation vehicle which appears on the GMC Miscellaneous page.  Merseyside's Light Portable Pump Unit appears on the Birkenhead page courtesy of Paul McLean, whilst from Adey Allison comes a Dennis F38 picture for the Nantwich Library page.  Merseyside again, with one of the After Fire Care vehicles which appears on the Wallasey page courtesy of Dave York.  Finally, Barrie Green has very kindly sent a most interesting picture of a Dennis Light 6 which appears on the Chester Library page.

09.12.07.
It has been a long time between updates, but I hope you will agree that the content has been worth waiting for.  My sincerest thanks to Keith Howarth who has very kindly supplied a large number of pictures for what will be the last major update of 2007 and just in time for Christmas.  Four of the five North West Brigades are covered and many of the appliances shown have not appeared previously.  For those that have already appeared, I have taken advantage of my new scanner to improve the quality of previous scans, or in some cases to show a different view of the appliance.  In some cases, I have been able to move pictures around so that they appear at a subsequent allocation rather than the intial allocation.  As usual with large updates, a comprehensive list is given below.

ACCRINGTON ~ STJ925M ~ JFV744N ~ VRN152R ~ A710KHG ~ A947RCK [x2]
ALLERTON ~ RKB300 [x2]
AMBLESIDE ~ GHH923V ~ C591MHH [ON CURRENT PAGE]
ASPATRIA ~ 280JAO [NEW PAGE]
BANKHALL ~ B593NPL ~ B919KWM
BARROW ~ LEC729P ~ GEC487T ~ SHH26X ~ TRM779X ~ TRM781X
BIRKENHEAD ~ CCM289 ~ FBG639E ~ KBG415G ~ TTJ317V ~ ACM413X [x2] ~ DWM613Y ~ L38SFY [x2] ~ T656CCK ~ Y241XRN
BISPHAM ~ VFV736V
BLACKBURN ~ HCB500 ~ FCB233D ~ STJ903M ~ VFV737V ~ FBV831Y [x2] ~ YFV360Y
BLACKPOOL ~ XFR538L [x2] ~ RFV934X ~ RFV935X
BOLLINGTON ~ AMB588B [x2]
BOOTLE/NETHERTON ~ E495UKF
BROMBOROUGH ~ VLG344 ~ H933JKD ~ J257KWM
BURNLEY ~ RRN164X [x2] ~ A791PCW
CANNING PLACE ~ B923KWM
CARLISLE ~ PHH904R
CARNFORTH ~ RFV918P
CHESHIRE MISCELLANEOUS ~ DDM336S
CHESTER ~ LFM673J [x2}~ CTU542N ~ SDM859V ~ WFM465W ~ A359VFM
CHORLEY ~ WTE893 ~ NTJ65K ~ OTD240M ~ DRN887S ~ DRN888S ~ D100TRN
COLNE ~ B285BFR
CONGLETON ~ RMB633
DALTON ~ JHH216V
DARWEN ~ A709KHG
ELLESMERE PORT ~ BMA536B ~ EFM562S [x2] ~ A360VFM
FLEETWOOD ~ UTE950L ~ NCW37P ~ A707KHG
FRODSHAM ~ TMB502R [x2] ~ DMB71S ~ A361VFM
FULWOOD ~ 279XTB [+ INTERIOR SHOT] ~ 657TD [+1986 APPLIANCE LINE UP] ~ NCW36P
GRANGE-OVER-SANDS ~ JAO701N ~ WAO462S ~ WAO463S
HASLINGDEN ~ WTD869H
HOLMES CHAPEL ~ DMB904X
KESWICK ~ PRM319R ~ NHH855W ~ B25HRM
KNUTSFORD ~ TCA862R ~ DMB68S
LANCASHIRE TRAINING ~ CHG679Y
LANCASTER ~ A946RCK [x2] ~ E113GCW
LEYLAND ~ VFV731V
LIVERPOOL SALVAGE CORPS ~ STATION ~ OKA70S ~ TEM476V ~ WKC723V ~  EKF395Y ~ ELV455Y
LONGRIDGE ~ UWU330L
MACCLESFIELD ~ PMA208L
MERSEYSIDE MISCELLANEOUS ~ PACESETTER
MORECAMBE ~ STB442L
NANTWICH ~ TLG328
NELSON ~ VRN151R
NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS ~ B920KWM
NORTHWICH ~ RMB634 ~ FLG649K
ORMSKIRK ~ PTE882M ~ NBV297T ~ VFV727V
POYNTON ~ E459XLG
PRESTON ~ OTJ998M [x2] ~ XCK590V ~ WHG207V [x2] ~ NHG13X ~ A711 KHG
RUNCORN ~ YMB475J ~ PMA209L ~ SMB670R ~ EMA950X ~ XFA44X ~ A358VFM
ST. ANNES ~ NCW38P ~ A708KHG
ST. HELENS ~ K474OKB
SANDBACH ~ AMB587B ~ WLG317J ~  DMB902X
SKELMERSDALE ~ E115HCW
SOUTH SHORE ~ VFV735V ~ C773OCW
STOCKTON HEATH~ VCA493R ~ B493CMB
STORRINGTON AVENUE ~ D180SKC ~ H157GBG
TARLETON ~ JFV742N
ULVERSTON ~ JHH214V ~ JHH215V
WALLASEY ~ TFY827V ~ M233YBG [x2]
WALNEY ~ SEO545M ~ WHH30Y
WARRINGTON ~ NED832M ~ NMA397P [x2] ~ EFM561S ~ SDM557V ~ HFM712X
WIDNES ~ HFM709X

Rounding off this update is a 10 pump incident in Worsley plus a number of updated appliance pictures which appear on the Farnworth, Gorton, Blackley, Atherton, Manchester Central, Leigh, Sale and Philips Park.

22.11.07.
A revised appliance picture appears on the Bolton page and a new page has been created specifically for the GMC Urban Search & Rescue Team.  Although most pictures have been taken from other pages, there is an additional picture which should particularly appeal to all dog lovers!

21.11.07.
My thanks go to Paul Measday who, in helping me towards the 2.5k target, has kindly provided a 'limo' picture for the Eccles Library page.

17.11.07.
A major milestone has been achieved during the last week.  There are NOW over 500 PAGES on this website.  It is my intention also to break through the 2,500 pictures barrier by CHRISTMAS.  Today's update includes the Atego at Ellesmere Port and a line up of new Volvos on the GMC Miscellneous page.

16.11.07.
I am always indebted to those people who have so generously lent me pictures for inclusion on the web site, and indeed, am always on the look out, particularly, for historical pictures.  For the first time, I am privileged to include over 40 pictures from Neal Glover, including amongst other gems, pictures of one of the Thorneycroft Nubian appliances in service with Cheshire.  Full details of this update are listed below:

AINTREE ~ NHF282S
ALHAMBRA THEATRE MORECAMBE ~ 20 PUMP INCIDENT [NEW PAGE]
ALSTON ~ JAO702N [NEW PAGE]
APPLEBY ~ MEC883K ~ PHH904R
BANKHALL ~ TFY819V
BIRKENHEAD ~ CCM289 ~ CCM368 ~ KBG415G
BOOTLE [CUMBRIA] CHH243T x2 [NEW PAGE]
BOOTLE [MERSEYSIDE] SUB-STATION
CANNING PLACE ~ VKD958H x2
CARLISLE ~ BAO300T ~ LHH678W
CONISTON ~ 277WTC
CREWE ~ TLG887
ECCLES ~ BTD719J
FLEETWOOD ~ JTE343B
GARSTON ~ EKA342
HESWALL ~ PTU582 x2
LANCASTER ~ 282LTD
LIVERPOOL SALVAGE CORPS ~ GKC934N
MARPLE ~ WLG77
MARYPORT ~ NHH855W
MORECAMBE ~ GYR786 ~ 537UTF ~ VFV734V
ORMSKIRK ~ WTD878H with PTE882M
SEASCALE ~ WAO463S x2 [NEW PAGE]
ST. HELENS C.B. ~ YDJ278H
TOXTETH ~ 44EKD
WARRINGTON ~ NED832M
WEST KIRBY [HOYLAKE] ~ 941NMB ~ LFY461R
WORKINGTON ~ 728DRM x2 ~ DRM620K x2
 

14.11.07.
I am delighted to be able to post two very special updates.
Firstly, the new fire station at Ashton-under-Lyne is due to open this afternoon and that page has now been revised with a picture of the new Community Fire Station and updated pictures of the appliances.
Secondly, last Thursday saw an Open Day at TVAC, and I am privileged to be able to share a 9 page special with you.

13.11.07.
This is a predominantly maintainance update.  The RETURN on many pages has been wrongly linked, and this has now been corrected.  Also, I have taken the opportunity to improve the quality of a number of appliance pictures in Lancashire, notably on the Preston, Blackpool, Padihamand Colne pages plus the Fulwood Library page.  Please note, these are improved versions of the pictures previously shown.  In most cases the colour that originally looked washed out, has been restored, by use of RAW images.

In general updates, another new Volvo appears on the GMC Miscellaneous Page.  An interesting picture appears on the Merseyside Training page of both a Merseyside and a GMC appliance, courtesy of Dave York.  I am grateful to Gary Steel for Cumbria appliance pictures added to the Barrow page and the Whitehaven Library page, and also for a picture of the former Abbey Road Fire Station on the Barrow C.B. Library page. Finally, my thanks again to Wayne Gilmore who has provided a limousine picture for the Rochdale Library page.

06.11.07.
Bonfire night is usually hectic for our fire and rescue services and 2007 was no exception as it also included a serious fire at a pallet yard in Oldham.

05.11.07.
See the top of this page.

24.10.07.
Summer finally arrived in Blackpool yesterday as did the final DAF LF from the current batch.  Taking advantage of the beautiful weather I have updated the picture of Lytham Fire Station and included a more unusual shot of South Shore Fire Station.

22.10.07.
A third Daf55 has been allocated to Hyndburn, thereby displacing the last Leyland 60 series from front line service in Lancashire, though the latter type will continue in use with both the Training and Reserve fleets.  An updated picture of the ALP has also been included.

20.10.07.
A mixed selection of pictures starting in Lancashire with an updated appliance picture on the Bamber Bridge page, and pictures of the recently delivered Pod2 on the Lancashire USAR page.  In GMC another picture of the former Bedford Control Unit, this time in yellow, appears on the Agecroft Library page, courtesy of Ken Reid MBE.  Moving next to Cheshire with a selection of pictures taken at today's open day at Wilmslow Fire Station appearing on the Wilmslow, Knutsford, Macclesfield and Cheshire Miscellaneous  pages, plus the Chester and Widnes Library pages.  Finally from Merseyside, Dave York has very kindly supplied a picture of the new MAN DTV which appears on the Training page.

12.10.07.
It is a great honour to be able to include a whole collection of pictures of the fire at Gidlow Mills, Wigan in 1969, during which Sub-Officer Chadwick of Hindley fire station was to end his career in the most tragic of circumstances.  This new page is dedicated to his honour and memory.

11.10.07.
Very unusally I am able to include two pictures from the South Atlantic and just south of the equator!  Two ex-GMC Leylands were sent to Ascension Island and appear on the Manchester Central and Broughton Library pages respectively.  My thanks to Ted and David Angus who have very kindly provided these pictures.

05.10.07.
Another couple of pictures have been added to the TVAC section including the first of the CARPs for South Yorkshire.  A couple of Merseyside 'specials' have been updated on the Kirkdaleand Birkenhead pages, following a chemical incident in Huyton.

03.10.07.
An additional four pictures have been added to the Cheshire Miscellaneous page showing the first of the new MAN pumping appliances and the Fire Bike, all very kindly submitted by Barrie Green.

02.10.07.
Lancashire's new Search & Rescue Dog Unit vehicle has been added to the USAR page, whilst in Cheshire the Chip Pan Fire Demonstrator has been added to the Miscellaneous page, having been an appliance with a very varied history.

28.09.07.
HOT NEWS EXCLUSIVE:  I can now confirm that GMC has ordered 16 new pumping appliances to built by John Dennis and delivered over the next year.  With the 8 already being built by TVAC, this means that over 33% of front line pumping fleet will be replaced over the next 12 months ~ the largest update ever undertaken by the brigade in one go in its 33 year history.  Also due in the brigade by June 2008 is the new Urban Search & Rescue Unit.  Pictures appear on the GMC Miscellaneous page.  Also included on the same page is the first picture of one the TVAC bodied Volvos with a '57' registration, plate, and the newly restored Salvation Army 'A' Catering Unit.  A full listing of the '57' registrations is also included.

26.09.07.
Today's update brings another varied selection of pictures from various sources, and my thanks goes to those who have contributed.  Firstly some updated Merseyside appliance pictures from Chris Scrivens:

MERSEYSIDE MISCELLANEOUS ~ K855NEM ~ DK56JXE
CROXTETH ~ J252KWM

A very interesting selection of both older and modern vehicles is included from Keith Howarth:

MERSEYSIDE MISCELLANEOUS ~ DK56JXL
CHESHIRE MISCELLANEOUS ~ MV05VWA ~ AY54AVW ~ AY54FCX
WARRINGTON ~ DK56JYP
CHADDERTON LIBRARY PAGE ~ 1393TF ~ DTJ956J
BURY LIBRARY PAGE ~ MEN1
GMC MISCELLANEOUS ~ CANTEEN VAN
AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS ~ ADDITIONAL PICTURE OF 20 PUMP FIRE

20.09.07.
My thanks go once more to Ken Reid MBE for an additional picture for the Maryport Library Page.

18.09.07.
Another picture of the Kerry ALP has been added to the Blackburn Library Page.
I am most grateful to Tom Watson for sharing his own collection plus some additional material from Nelson Fire Station of historical pictures around the East Lancashire area.  My sincere thanks also to the editorial staff of the Northern Daily Telegraph, now the Lancashire Telegraph for permission to reproduce a number of their pictures.

NELSON  HORSE DRAWN ~ c.1920s ~ early 1950s ~ mid/late 1950s ~ Drill late 1950s ~ AFS excercise ~ 6PTB
PENDLE HAULAGE COMPANY, BARROWFORD ~ 1953
HAYS WAREHOUSE, BOND STREET COLNE ~ 1956
LUSTRAFIL, NELSON ~ 1961
LAMBERT'S, NELSON ~ 1958 ~ 1959 ~ AND UNDATED [10 PICTURES]
GAS WORKS, BRIERFIELD ~ 1949
PEEL MILL, SHAWFORTH ~ 1956 [5 PICTURES]
EQUINOX NIGHTCLUB, NELSON
UNKNOWN INCIDENT  ~ 001
UNKNOWN INCIDENT ~ 002
UNKNOWN INCIDENT ~ 003
UNKNOWN INCIDENT ~ 004
SOUTHFIELD STREET, NELSON
DURIE & MILLER, HASLINGDEN ~ 1956 [4 PICTURES]
VICTORIA LAUNDRY, NELSON ~1957
NEW HALL HEY MILL ~ 1957
DATCLIFFE MILL, KELBROOK ~ 1959
WATERSIDE FARM, BRIERFIELD ~ 1952
CLOCK TOWER MILL, BURNLEY ~ 1987
CORT'S, NELSON
IMPERIAL BALLROOM, NELSON ~ 1976
BUS DE-ROOFED, NELSON
BUILDING FIRE, MACLEOD STREET, NELSON
SMITH & NEPHEW, BRIERFIELD ~ 1952 ~ AND UNDATED
 

16.09.07.
Ahead of the next major update are a couple of interesting Cheshire pictures, with a picture of the old Fire Station on the Warrington Library Page and one of the brand new Toyota MIC cars on the Cheshire Miscellaneous page.

11.09.07.
A 'mini' update from TVAC Blue Light begins this update.  One of the new DTVs for Lancashire appears on the Lancashire Training page, and pictures of the four ex-Lancashire Leylands now in use at the Fire Service College have been added to the Penwortham, South Shore, Morecambe and Blackpool Library Pages.

01.09.07.
I am delighted to be able to reinstate Wayne Gilmore's pictures, and thank him most sincerely for his kindness and understanding after all the totally unnecessary hassle caused by certian people over his generosity in providing pictures for this website, and indeed to the many visitors who have sent such kind messages of support. The links can be found under the 24th August update.

Congratulations to Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service on the launch of its new website.  I am honoured to have been able to supply Fire Station and Fire Appliance pictures to the Service for use on the site.  I remain indebted to the members of all 5 North West Fire and Rescue Services, and to TVAC Blue Light for all the support I have received over the years in building up this web site and look forward to continuing to serve you in whatever way I can in the future.

I still have 100s of pictures to share and normal service is resumed with a further collection of pictures generously donated by Bill Jopson, this offering covering Merseyside:

ECCLESTON ~ F934YCM
HUYTON ~ DWM610Y
KIRKBY ~ G399EKA
LIVERPOOL SALVAGE CORPS ~ OKA70S x2
ST. HELENS ~ A50HKC ~ G398EKA ~ H654JKD ~ K851NEM ~ K946OHF ~ OSU POD ~ SRU POD [NEW PAGE]
WHISTON ~ D174SKC

Finally in this update, another picture from the Stuart Wilkinson collection, this time depiciting Heywood c.1890.

26.08.07.
More pictures generously donated to the site from Bill Jopson.  This updates includes the following from Cheshire:

AUDLEM ~ UMA287R ~ DMB901X
BOLLINGTON ~ UMA286R ~ DMB907X
CHESTER ~ E457XLG ~ E717SON ~ K620KMB ~ L973TFM
CREWE ~ SDM556V ~ HFM708X ~ E459XLG ~ F368KTU
CONGLETON ~ DMB72S ~ D687PMB
ELLESMERE PORT ~ DMB70S ~ J781HCA x2
FRODSHAM ~ A361VFM ~ EFM562S ~ K623KMB
HOLMES CHAPEL ~ DMB904X ~ D690PMB
KNUTSFORD ~ EMA951X ~ H443AMA
MACCLESFIELD ~ EMA948X ~ E458XLG
MALPAS ~ EFM563S
MIDDLEWICH ~ DMB903X ~ D689PMB
NANTWICH ~ B494CMB
NORTHWICH ~ HFM710X ~ J421PVR
POYNTON ~ DMB69S ~ DMB906X [NEW PAGE]
SANDBACH ~ DMB902X ~ D688PMB
TARPORLEY ~ CLG103K ~ DMB905X ~ C100JCA
WARRINGTON ~ A320RFM ~ L970TFM
WILMSLOW ~ TCA862R ~ PKC475S
WINSFORD ~ SDM860V ~ G998RFM ~ J422PVR
 

24.08.07.
A Cumbria 'special' update ~ over 30 new pictures!  Appliance pictures have been added to two of the remote rural stations, Alston and Patterdale. I am very grateful to Wayne Gilmore for providing appliance pictures for the Appleby, Carlisle, Lazonby and Brampton pages, plus the Carlisleand Whitehaven Library Pages. Special thanks to Bill Jopson who has very kindly provided me with a number of library pictures covering all 5 north-west brigades.  Those from Cumbria are included in this update and appear on the following pages, six of which are new. [Please read the August Policy Change reference allocations.]

AMBLESIDE ~ GHH923V [NEW PAGE]
ARNSIDE ~ WHH29Y
CARLISLE ~ D95UHH
GRANGE-OVER-SANDS ~ WHH31Y ~ A753DRM
KENDAL ~ D426TAO ~ D539TRM ~ H484TRM [ADDITIONAL PICTURE]
KESWICK ~ NHH855W ~ B25HRM [NEW PAGE]
MILNTHORPE~ C853MAO [NEW PAGE]
PATTERDALE ~ GHH293V x2  [NEW PAGE]
PENRITH ~ WHH32Y ~ C877PRM ~ H479TRM
SHAP ~ D97UHH [NEW PAGE]
STAVELEY ~ C856MAO [NEW PAGE]
WINDERMERE ~ 205JEC ~ B24HRM
 

18.08.07.
Two of the dedicated DTVs have been added to the Lancashire Training page, one outstanding from 2005 and a recent shot courtesy of Ryan Walsh.

16.08.07.
Skelmersdale is the latest station in Lancashire to receive a Daf LF.  Also included is one of the new Vauxhall Personnel Carriers.

15.08.07.
An appliance picture has now been added to the Coniston page.
Following on from the previous update, I am grateful to Wayne Gilmore for pictures of the ex Preston County Borough HPV now in private ownership.
Finally in this update, the second Merseyside fire bike has been added to the Merseyside Miscellaneous page, courtesy of Dave York.

12.08.07.
I am honoured to be able to include 10 superb pictures taken by the late Mike Brockbank during the 1960s, and I am indebted to his widow for her kindness in making these available to the site.

GRANGE-OVER-SANDS ~ 535UTF & 536UTF ~ The Grange Crew in 1963
PRESTON C.B.  JCK658 x2 ~ RRN999 x2
ROCHDALE ~ PDK717 ~ 5937DK
ULVERSTON ~ PTJ840 ~ JTE347B  [Note: The picture of PTJ840 on the Farnworth Library page has been removed. Full details on the Ulverston Library page.]

11.08.07.
Continuing the Cumbria update, appliance pictures now appear on the Grange-over-Sands page, plus an updated picture of the Turntable Ladder at Barrow-in-Furness, and the pump at Broughton-in-Furness.  Reserve IRU001 has been added to the Burnley page.

06.08.07.
The picture of Wiganfire station has been updated now that the tower has been demolished, and an additional picture from 1991 has been added to the Southport Library page thanks to David Lennox.

03.08.07.
A number of pictures on the Lancashire USAR page have been updated and the Rope Rescue Unit has been added to the St. Annes page.

02.08.07.
GMC has received a new Volvo FLH.  Pictures appear on the GMC Miscellaneous page.

31.07.07.
Cumbria's new ALPs now appear on the Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness pages along with a recent Land Rover L4V at the latter location.

25.07.07.
This latest slection of pictures could almost be described as a 'foreign' update, since all the vehicles covered, whilst from the north-west region, are seen well away from home, mainly assisting in the recent horrendous floods in the Gloucestershire area.   All come courtesy once more of Simon Rowley.  Pictures appear on the Cheshire Miscellaneous, Knutsford, Kirkdale, Bolton and Stretford pages.  Also included in this update is the former Lancashire Bronto now over in Kerry, which appears on the Blackburn Library page.
Finally another of the new Ford Rangers has also been added to the Cheshire Miscellaneous page courtesy of Barrie Green along with the recently acquired Bedfordshire Scania which is due to become and Damage Control Unit/Incident Support Unit.

19.07.07.
A picture has been added to the Blackpool Library page of a 1938 Leyland.  Whilst coming right up to date, the Scania flatbed for Merseyside is now operational and added to the Training Academy page courtesy of Dave York.  With the final CSU/MFS for Lancashire now on the run at Lancaster, a temporary picture has been included and the ISU moved to the Lancaster Library page.

17.07.07.
The Dennis RS quoted in the previous update has now been added to the Bolton Librarypage when it was in use as a fire appliance, courtesy Keith Howarth.  Also added is a 1936 Fordson on the Barrow C.B. Library page.

14.07.07.
A former Dennis RS has been added to the Bolton Library page in its present guise as a Motor Home.
Many thanks to Ron Henderson for supplying a picture of the Dennis F28 on the St. Helens Library page, and also to Ken Reid MBE for additions to the Bollington Library page [Land Rover] and another J4 picture on the Morecambe Library page.

11.07.07.
Three brigades are included in this update.  Firstly, the Skidmaster Dodge Commando has been added to the Greater Manchester Miscellaneous page.  Secondly, St. Annes is the latest station in Lancashire to be allocated a Daf LF.  Finally, returning again to Cumbria, there are new pictures on the Barrow, Frizington and Longtown pages.

09.07.07.
Thanks once again to Simon Rowley, a couple of further pictures from the South Yorkshire floods have been added to the Merseyside Training and Burnley pages, thereby completing the line up of one HVPU from each of the 5 North West Brigades covered on this site.   The Eccles Water Incident Unit is also added at an incident in South Yorkshire.

08.07.07.
Another varied selection of appliance pictures has been added.  Continuing the update of the Cumbria section, appliance pictures have been added to the Cockermouth, Maryport, Windermere and Ambleside pages, all thanks to the generosity of Steve Miller.
An updated picture has also been added to the Chester page, plus the converted pump/low-loader now appears on the Widnes Library Page.

02.07.07.
The recent 8 pump fire at Out Rawcliffe has now been included in the Incident Library, plus updated appliance pictures have been added to the Wesham, Garstang, Bispham, Preesall, Fleetwood and Lancaster.
Thanks to the generosity of Mr. S.N. Rowley, I am also able to bring the first pictures of North West appliances attending the disastrous floods in South Yorkshire. Inlcuded are a pump and HVPU from Kendal, plus the HVPUs from Boltonand Congleton.
 

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