COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

Fire Service Centenary

Issue Date: 31st March 1998






The Falkland Islands Fire Service was established by Ordinance in February 1898 as the Stanley Volunteer Fire Brigade "for the better protection of Stanley against fire". Over the years a number of appliances have been used and those depicted on the stamps are just a small selection.

The Fire Service was for many years run by a voluntary basis as part of the Public Works Department until 1985 when the Falkland Islands Fire & Rescue Service was born and a full time staff of two were employed, in conjunction with the Police Force. The Service is now a stand alone department comprising of four full time firemen and a further 30 retained firemen who receive an hourly wage and a retention bonus. Training of a high standard is conducted locally and all retained firemen are expected to attend for training sessions each Wednesday evening.

In addition to the Fire Engines now in use, there is also a well maintained water mains system running throughout the town which increases the capability of the Fire Service even further. The Fire Service is based in Stanley although they may be called upon to attend anywhere within the Islands and extend to the offshore.

9p - Merryweather & Son, Greenwich Gem

The Greenwich Gem was a steam driven Fire engine and which started service with the Brigade in 1898. Described by the manufacturers as "the new Patent Double Cylinder Vertical Steam Fire Engine" it's arrival in Stanley heralded the beginning of the Fire Service.

17p - Merryweather's Hatfield Trailer Pump

Merryweather's petrol driven "Hatfield" Trailer pump and Foamite "Firefoam" chemical engine Model D was brought into service in 1928.

40p - Coventry Climax Godiva Trailer Pump

In 1958, the "Godiva" model of the Coventry Climax Trailer Fire Engine arrived in the Islands. It is believed that the "Godiva" was manufactured during the Second World War.

65p - Carmichael Bedford Water Tender Type B

After the 1982 conflict, the Fire Brigade was given a new lease of life and in 1984, the Stanley Fire Brigade received the first of it's two Carmichael Bedford Fire Engine Type B. These engines are still in use today.

The First Day of Issue Cover

The badge depicted on the cover is that currently used today.



Technical details:

Designer: Nick Shewring
Printer: The House of Questa
Process: Lithography
Stamp Size: 30.56 x 38.00 mm
Perforation: 14 per 2 cms
Watermark: Crown Agents Spiral
Pane: 50 (2 x 25)



Copyright: FI Philatelic Bureau Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited