Before 1921, Brighton was served by two fire brigades, one police and one volunteer.

The police were based at Preston Circus from 1901 and the volunteers in Duke Street.

The latter was probably the reason for the pub The Fire Brigade Arms, which was demolished to make way for Churchill Square.

In 1920, the council decided to form a professional brigade, which came on duty in 1921, replacing the two former units.

Then there were 12 full-time men in two platoons, supported by 25 retained.

The first engine was always manned and other appliances crewed by off-duty men and retained men.

In those days, firemen were on call 24 hours.

In many cities, including London, they lived in flats over the station and got a day off if they could be spared.

By 1938, the full-time staff, including chief officer, was 28, with 25 retained.

In 1941, all brigades were nationalised, returning to local control in 1948. Only county boroughs got their own, all others going to the county.

-R W Carden, Beechwood Avenue, Brighton