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ROTHERHAM COUNTY BOROUGH FIRE BRIGADE
HISTORY
Local records show that the town possessed some kind of fire-fighting appliance as early as 1830, this being kept at the bottom of Petticote Alley. It is possible that the Feoffees of the Common Lands were responsible for its provision. In 1863 the Feoffees' Engine was housed in Talbot Lane, and in 1866 it was handed over to the Board of Health.
Between 1868 and 1870 there appear records of fire protection services being provided by the Liverpool & London & Globe Insurance Co., and by the Sun Fire Office, the engines being kept in Red Lion Yard and Vicarage Lane. These companies, of course, rendered service only to those who paid premiums. In addition, Messrs. Bentley's Brewery possessed a small engine for their own use, although this has been known to render assistance in the vicinity of the company's premises. The Feoffees' Engine was, at the same time, still functioning.
A disastrous fire at Messrs. Clarborough's timberyard, however, proved the available protection services to be entirely inadequate. Those days of hand-operated, horse-drawn engines, called out by a fire bell or buzzer, must have provided the people with considerable excitement, whilst, at the same time, the efforts of the firemen must have been continually impeded.
It is from the date of the incorporation of the Borough, in 1871, that the Fire Brigade begins to take definite shape under the direction of the Borough Surveyor (Mr. Jennings). Twelve years later, we find the Water Works' Manager in control, and all further references to the insurance companies' engines disappear, these, presumably, having been transferred to the Borough.
In 1885, the Brigade was re-organized under the command of Colonel Hirst, and the first Fire Station was established where the Weights and Measures Department is now situated. An additional engine and other equipment was provided at a cost of £2,000. The Brigade itself consisted of volunteers, and had its first real test on 21st January 1888, when the Market Hall was completely destroyed, the damage amounting to £12,000. Records of this fire, however, are relieved by the following anecdote. One shopkeeper, unable to save his stock, stood among the crowd watching the leaping flames. After a while, the acrid smoke carried a flavour of familiar pungency to his nostrils, whereupon he exclaimed: " That's my bacon; I can smell it! ".
Another serious fire occurred at Talbot Lane Chapel in 1902, as a result of which the Brigade was again re-organized under the control of the Chief Constable; the station moved to a converted warehouse in Rawmarsh Road, and a Police Fire Brigade brought into being. The equipment at this time included a " Shand-Mason " steam fire engine, three horses, a tower wagon and an ambulance, the personnel consisting of an inspector, engineer, horseman and 17 firemen. Later, a light " Merryweather " engine was added for dealing with fires in country districts.
The first motor engine was purchased in 1914, and a second acquired in 1919 following a fire at Oakwood Hall, which occurred whilst the only engine was broken down. In 1924, a third motor engine was added, followed by a trailer-pump and foam trailer in 1927.
Since 1932 the equipment of the Brigade has been gradually replaced, and it now possesses all the latest appliances. The four motor-pumps are of various capacities, and each is fitted with first-aid pumps and fire-escapes. The latest, supplied in 1938, provides enclosed accommodation for firemen behind the driver, and was the first of its type in this part of the country. Approximately 120 calls per annum are responded to, and the three ambulances remove about 4,000 patients annually. The strength of the Brigade comprises a superintendent, 2 sergeants and 21 constables.
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