Former cast members and the producer of 1980s hit-ITV series London’s Burning will join active firefighters on Wednesday to open the brand new Dockhead fire station.
Used as the Blackwall station in the TV show watched by more than nineteen million people, the station built in 1928 has undergone a large revamp through a Private Finance Initiative.
London’s Burning was the first major TV show about the fire brigade and it proved to be very popular, with the London Fire Brigade having input into the show – providing a station, insight into their work and using off-duty fighters for some hazardous fire scenes.
London Fire Brigade Commissioner, Ron Dobson, said: “Characters like Sicknote and Recall wouldn’t recognise this new station which has been completely rebuilt to meet the demands of modern day firefighting.
“Major improvements have been made such as larger appliance bays accommodate more of our specialist vehicles and the shower and rest rooms can be easily modified depending on how many women firefighters are on a particular watch.
“I loved watching London’s Burning and I’m looking forward to meeting the cast members and showing them how the Brigade has changed and improved since the first episode was aired thirty years ago.”
The cast and producer, Paul Knight, will be shown around the station, before joining serving firefighters to watch the pilot episode of London’s Burning.
The new station includes two larger appliance bays which are better able to accommodate the Brigade’s latest vehicles, a four storey drill tower for training, offices and meeting rooms, a gym, lecture and quiet study rooms and a kitchen and dining area for firefighters.
Firefighters began operating from the new station in May. During the construction phase of the project Dockhead’s firefighters and appliances operated out of Deptford fire station.
Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Kath Whittam who is officially opening the station, said:
“Dockhead’s new fire station is a very welcome addition to the area and will help ensure that our residents have a facility that is fit for purpose.
“I’m pleased to unveil the plaque and officially open this fantastic new fire station which I hope will serve the people in this part of Southwark for many years to come.”