Greater Manchester was in the vanguard of the Industrial Revolution, and the first fire services had to deal with a number of different challenges. These included house fires, mill blazes, and other industrial conflagrations. In addition there were several major transport disasters, as well as extensive bomb damage during the Second World War. In recent years, the area has also had to contend with terrorist threats, including the 2017 Manchester Arena incident. Fortunately, local industry has been able to rise to the occasion. Manchester has gained a reputation for making fire appliances, hoses, and other equipment. Specialist firms like William Rose, John Morris, and Mather & Platt, all achieved success in their particular fields.
Fire-fighting pioneers
England’s first municipal fire service was established in Greater Manchester in 1826, and the first motorised fire appliance was delivered to Eccles in 1901. Over the years the area has acquired a reputation for pioneering new methods. This was
