The industrial heritage of the city certainly increased the chances of fire in the late 20th century. Leeds Kirkgate Market was devastated by fire in 1975 and numerous warehouses and mills over the decades have succumbed to flames fed by the textiles that made the city famous. The antidote to all these calamities has been the intrepid Leeds Fire Brigade who have run towards danger to tackle blaze and accident ever since their beginning in 1860. Small children in the 1970s may have thought it was all “Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub.” But in fact the reality was a lot more serious. READ MORE: The night Kirkgate Market was devastated by fire LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Leeds Fire Brigade
A last-minute polish for fire-fighting equipment at Gipton Fire Station in September 1969 ahead of a visit from the Lord Mayor. Pictured at work at firefighters Robert Flynn (right) and Neil Rogers.
8. Leeds Fire Brigade
Control room training in March 1972 watched by Mr F Scott, Deputy Chief Fire Officer.
9. Leeds Fire Brigade
This latest water tender equipped with hoses, ladders and other equipment was brought into service by Leeds Fire Brigade in September 1969.
10. Leeds Fire Brigade
This ornate lantern outside Leeds Fire Brigade's headquarters on Park Street was to be preserved. The Brigade was on the move to a new base at Kirkstall Road.
11. Leeds Fire Brigade
Leeds Fire Brigade moved into its new Kirkstall Road headquarters in March 1972.
12. Leeds Fire Brigade
Blue Watch in Nov 1974. Pictured John Hasketh, Geoff Beaumont, Neil Rogers, Colin Milner, Dennis Ibbotson, Steve Broadbelt, John Mather. Front: Robin Tomlinson, Keith Barker, Andy Slater, Richard Lynn, Andy Buchanan, Sean Duggan.