Scottish fact of the day: Edinburgh fire brigade

Published on 13/09/2012 15:52

Edinburgh is home to the oldest municipal fire brigade in the UK. Formed in 1824, it was set up following a series of disasterous fires in the city’s Old Town.

Before it was founded, the city’s main protections against fire were communal fire defenses and a host of fire brigades founded by insurance companies.

Edinburgh’s unique architecture and layout made life even tougher for these brigades, so in October 1824 the City decided to form the Edinburgh Fire Establishment under the leadership of James Braidwood, who led the service for its first eight years before heading up the first London fire brigade.

Braidwood’s team brought all the hallmarks of a modern fire brigade, from central control of fire engines to iconic red helmets, to the city and were the first council-controlled brigade in the UK.