Major fire at Prudential Assurance Building, High Holborn
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Major fire at Prudential Assurance Building, High Holborn
Firefighters at work on a major fire at the Prudential Assurance Company building in High Holborn, London WC1, on 16 June 1932. Date: 1932
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14156930
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
1932 Assurance Contractors Hazy Holborn Hose Hoses Jets Ladders Major Plinth Prudential Pumps Smoky Tall Trollope Firefighter Firefighters Firefighting Firemen
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Major Conflagration in the Heart of London: Firefighters Bravely Battle the Inferno at the Prudential Assurance Building, High Holborn (16th June 1932) In the heart of London's bustling business district, the Prudential Assurance Company building on High Holborn, WC1, stood as an imposing structure, its tall, imposing facade a familiar sight for commuters and locals alike. But on the fateful day of 16th June 1932, this iconic building was transformed into a scene of chaos and destruction as a major fire broke out, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was swiftly called to the scene, and firefighters from various stations across the city arrived to tackle the blaze. In this evocative photograph, we see them at work, their determined faces set against the hazy, smoky backdrop. Firemen clamber up ladders, their hoses in hand, while others man the powerful pumps, sending jets of water crashing onto the building's facade. The tall, stately figure of a soldier silhouetted against the smoke serves as a poignant reminder of the recent First World War and the bravery and resilience of the British people. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but what is certain is that the Prudential Assurance Building was a major loss for the city. The building, which had only been completed in the late 1920s, was a significant commercial and architectural landmark. The fire, however, provided an opportunity for rebuilding and renewal, with the company eventually rebuilding the building in a modernist style that would become emblematic of the post-war era. This photograph, taken in the 1930s, captures a moment in London's history when the city's resilience and spirit were put to the test. The firefighters' tireless efforts to contain the blaze serve as a testament to their bravery and dedication, and the image remains a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of the people of London in the face of adversity.
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