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'Flames Across The Tawe' is a book based on the history of the Swansea Fire Brigade. It depicts what is possibly the first record of a fire engine in Swansea, when in March 1809 the local Cambrian newspaper reported the deplorable condition of the town's fire engines following a fire at Harwood's Grocer and Candle Makers Shop in Castle Lane. At this time some towns in Britain had Insurance Fire Brigades, Swansea however didn't. The town was supported by some insurance company's, for example in 1819 the Norwich Union Fire Insurance donated a Hopwood and Tilley fire engine to the town, as well as other fire fighting equipment. Also in 1856 the Birmingham Fire Office donated a fire engine to the town.

In the 1800's Swansea was a thriving sea port and industrial town, and because of this it encountered several large outbreaks of fire. These ranged from factory blazes to ship fires within the docks. These fires would have been fought by manual fire engines, some of which required 20 men to operate them. Normally these operators were local townspeople who were paid with tokens for their efforts, these tokens could be redeemed for payment from the local council.

When the local constabulary took over the responsibilty for fire fighting in 1836, the Police had a dual role at fires. They fought the fire as well as kept back the throngs of people that would congregate, some of these people would attempt to loot the poor unfortunate persons belongings that had been placed on the pavement in an attempt to save them. Between 1858 and 1862 Swansea had a volunteer fire brigade and the Police were responsible for the town's fire cover until, the National Fire Service was formed in August 1941.

The National Fire Service (NFS) lasted until April 1948, when following the Fire Services Act the responsibility for the Fire Service was returned to the local authorities. For Swansea, it meant a newly formed fire brigade, one that was totally devoid of Police responsiblity, and one that continues today.

Although 'Flames Across The Tawe' tells the history of the Swansea Fire Brigade, it also includes information on serious fires and other civil disasters. Additionally there are details on acts of bravery, the personnel that were instrumental in the organisation of the brigade and fire appliances. There are over 150 photographs in the book.

Unfortunately the Swansea Fire Brigade no longer exists. Following government re-organisation in April 1974, the town's reponsibility for fire cover transferred to the newly formed West Glamorgan Fire Service. A further government re-organisation in April 1996, means that Swansea's fire cover is now the responsibility of the Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade.

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The above piece is an extract from Keith's book entitled 'Flames Across The Tawe'. Keith is currently researching the history of the present Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade. The brigade comprises 57 fire stations, stretching from Llanfyllin in the borders, to Port Talbot in the east, Milford Haven in the west and Machynlleth in the north.