This was one of the first, if not
the
first, major fire in the newly formed Greater Manchester County Fire Brigade.
I don't have many regrets in life,
but without a doubt, I regret not taking individual pictures of the great
variety of appliances in attendance at this incident and still carrying
the names of their former brigades.
A lot of water. The fire fighters are actually standing in the Rochdale Canal ~ about 1 inch deep at that point!
A variety of former Manchester City, Lancashire County and other appliances, including the Simonitor from Chadderton on the left.
Another variety of appliances. Nearest
the camera Albion Chieftain FXJ943D. Behind that is one of the JVU
reg. pump escapes.
Further back Albion TND74K and Beford HP 531VU
both from London Road.
On the extreme left is Leyland Firemaster
Emergency Tender 6461ND
The ex-Lancashire County Simonitor KTD615K from Chadderton was seen being put through its paces.