FIREFIGHTERS in Colchester is something likely to date back to Roman times.
But it was only after the Great fire of London in 1666 that formal fire crews, Fire Insurance Companies, were formed.
Essex had already invested in firefighting equipment, in 1632, when Braintree got a fire engine.
Towns covered by one or more of these brigades included Colchester, Chelmsford, Maldon, Coggeshall, Wivenhoe, Manningtree, Thorpe-le-Soken and Rayleigh.
Since then major changes have occurred and our archive images this week show how even in the past 60 to 70 years the equipment and vehicles have evolved.
* Contact us with your memories on 01206 508186.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel