London’s Lambeth River Fire Station reopens after extensive refurbishments

The London Fire Brigade’s only river station resumes operations following a six-month refurbishment that extends its lifespan by 25 years

December 12, 2024 10:45 AM

By FireRescue1 Staff

After six months of extensive refurbishments, Lambeth River Fire Station has returned to its historic location at Albert Embankment on the Thames, with firefighters resuming operations last month.

The station, a critical hub for London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) river emergency response, underwent maintenance in Lowestoft, enhancing its facilities and structural longevity. Crews temporarily operated from HMS President during the renovations, ensuring uninterrupted service.

Fire boats have been a vital asset to London’s emergency services since the 1700s, with Lambeth’s station established in 1936. Crews at the station operate two state-of-the-art fireboats, “Tanner” and “Errington,” which were introduced in 2022 following a £3.2 million investment. These boats, capable of reaching speeds of 40 knots, are equipped with advanced features, including thermal imaging cameras, hydraulic cranes for water rescues, and hoses for combating fires from the river.

Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne emphasized the station’s pivotal role, covering incidents from Teddington to Dartford Crossing. During the refurbishment, the Royal Navy’s HMS President provided operational and logistical support, ensuring the Brigade’s ability to respond to emergencies on the Thames and adjacent areas.

The refurbishments, including hull restoration, were spearheaded by Babcock and SMS Group. Laura Birnbaum, LFB’s Head of Property and Technical Support Services, praised the collaboration and highlighted the improvements to the station’s infrastructure, which included upgraded office, accommodation, and recreational spaces for crews.

Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock, highlighted the importance of the river station for fire response.

“The river station plays a crucial role in emergency response up and down the banks of the river,” Newman said. “As well as being able to respond to incidents on the Thames itself, it also plays a vital part in tackling land based fires along the river using the Thames as its water source.”

The station’s modernized facilities and fireboats strengthen the Brigade’s capability to handle over 170 annual incidents, ensuring the safety of London’s residents and visitors along the Thames.