London Fire Brigade’s Lambeth River Fire Station has returned to its historic base on the River Thames following a significant refurbishment. This deep maintenance project was led by Babcock International and SMS Group, who carried out extensive repairs and upgrades at the SMS dock in Lowestoft.
The station’s firefighters returned to Lambeth last week after temporarily operating from HMS President. Fire boats have long been a fixture on the Thames, dating back to the 1700s, with a permanent station at Lambeth since 1936. Crews at Lambeth River Fire Station operate two fire boats that respond to emergencies along the river, including incidents on bridges and along the shore. Working closely with the RNLI, Metropolitan Police Service, HMS Coastguard, and the Port of London Authority, Lambeth crews handle more than 170 incidents annually.
The refurbishment involved comprehensive improvements to the station’s structure, including hull upgrades that are expected to extend the station’s operational lifespan by approximately 25 years. The work also included updates to the station’s interior, enhancing office spaces, accommodation, and recreation areas for the crews.
This refurbishment follows the recent £3.2 million investment in two state-of-the-art fireboats, ‘Tanner’ and ‘Errington,’ introduced in 2022. These new vessels are twice as fast as their predecessors, reaching speeds of 40 knots. Equipped with hoses, a hydraulic crane for water rescues, and high-definition thermal imaging cameras, these fireboats allow crews to tackle fires from the river and execute efficient water rescues.
Laura Birnbaum, Assistant Director of Property and Technical Support Services for the London Fire Brigade, expressed gratitude to Babcock, SMS Group, and Brigade staff for their collaborative efforts on the project: “The refurbishments have provided the river station with longevity and significantly improved facilities for our crews.”
The completion of the maintenance project ensures that Lambeth River Fire Station is well-prepared to continue its vital role in Thames-based emergency response for years to come.
