Lambeth River Fire Station is returning to a historic building on the River Thames

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has completed a maintenance program for London’s only riverside fire station.

Earlier this month, Lambeth River Fire Station returned to its historic home on Albert Embankment on the Thames after six months of refurbishment in Lowestoft. Firefighters returned to the station this week after a period of operational duty at HMS President.

Fireboats have been in use in London since the 1700s, and a river station has been located in Lambeth since 1936. Firefighters at Lambeth River Fire Station operate two fire boats that respond to incidents from the river, bridges and shore. Working closely with the RNLI, the Metropolitan Police Service, HMS Coastguard and the Port of London Authority, the brigade’s boat crews attend more than 170 incidents a year – an average of more than three a week.

Along with general improvements, painting and cosmetic repairs, the station’s hull was completely renovated, extending the station’s life by approximately 25 years.

Laura Birnbaum, Assistant Director of Real Estate Services and Technical Support, said: “After a significant investment in the maintenance of the fire station on the Lambeth River, the crews were welcomed back to their historic home on Albert Quay.

“The upgrade to the station follows a £3.2m investment in two new fire boats. Tanner and Errington, in service since 2022, are twice as fast as previous vessels and can reach speeds of up to forty knots. In addition to hoses that allow crews to fight fires from the river, the boats are equipped with a hydraulic crane for water rescue and a high-definition thermal imaging camera.

“We would like to thank Babcock and SMS Group for their work to restore the station together with Brigade staff. The refurbishment has ensured longevity for the river station and improved the offices, accommodation and leisure facilities available to the crews.’

Patrick Goulborn, Assistant Commissioner for Operational Sustainability and Control, said: “Lambeth River Fire Station is a vital part of the brigade’s emergency response. The station area clearly covers Teddington in the west to Dartford Crossing in the east.

“While the station was undergoing repairs, Lambeth River Fire Station crews and fireboats were based at HMS President, the Royal Navy’s permanent base on the River Thames. The support of the Royal Navy ensured that the Brigade could continue to use the unique skills and equipment of Lambeth River crews while the station was undergoing repairs.”

Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock’s Land Sector, said: “The river station plays a critical role in responding to emergencies up and down the river. As well as being able to respond to incidents on the Thames itself, it also plays an important role in fighting ground fires along the river using the Thames as a water source.

“Babcock, a market leader in the design, manufacture and life-cycle support of vessels, is proud to be working with LFB and SMS Group to see this vital asset back in service. Together, the deep maintenance was successfully completed thanks to the dedication and close cooperation between all involved.”

David Gooderham, General Manager of SMS in Lowestoft, said: “The project perfectly matches both our infrastructure and our experience; our 75-meter dry dock and 100-meter jetty perfectly complemented the technical requirements of the scope of work. We have experience in life extension and knowledge of marine engineering, especially for floating equipment. From decommissioning the station to towing, completing site work in dry dock, dredging the stillage on the Thames and then restoring the assets, it’s been a great program of work and a real, genuine pleasure to work with both Babcock and LFB. Huge thanks to their respective project teams for making this deep maintenance period such a resounding success.”

Lieutenant Commander LJ Broster of the Royal Navy said: “HMS PRESIDENT has been delighted to host our colleagues from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) since February. During this period the LFB used the site near Tower Bridge, operating two fire boats. LFB benefited from a galley, accommodation, lounge areas, a dedicated classroom and a fully equipped gymnasium. The brigade’s nine-month stay flew by unnoticed and brought mutual benefit to both the Royal Naval Reserve and the LFB. As the crew prepares to return to Lambeth River Station, all our staff at HMS PRESIDENT wish them a fond farewell.’