Books stacked on staircase, London SE15

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Books stacked on staircase, London SE15

Books indiscriminately stacked on a staircase between first and second floors, discovered during a four-pump fire in Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15, on 27 January 1963. Date: 1963

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Media ID 14157901

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

1963 Clutter Danger Dangerous Flammable Floor Floors Grove Hoarding Indiscriminate Inflammable Junk Lyndhurst Overflowing Pile Piles Pump Se15 Stack Stacked Stacking Staircase Stairs Firefighter Firefighting Fireman Firemen Hoarder January

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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative black-and-white photograph, books are seen indiscriminately stacked on a staircase between the first and second floors of a building in Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15. The image was captured on 27 January 1963, following a four-pump fire that had ravaged the premises. The London Fire Brigade's brave firemen and firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames, but the damage had already been done. The staircase, once a functional and essential means of access between floors, had been transformed into a dangerous obstacle course of books. The piles of literature were haphazardly stacked, threatening to topple at any moment, creating a significant hazard for those attempting to navigate the steps. The books, an inflammable and highly flammable material, had fueled the intensity of the fire, making the situation even more perilous. The scene is a poignant reminder of the unintended consequences of hoarding and cluttering. The chaotic pile of books, overflowing from the rooms above, highlights the potential danger that such clutter can pose in the event of an emergency. The photograph also offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to the 1960s and the era of the London Fire Brigade's bold and dedicated firefighting services. The image is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the firefighters who risked their lives to contain the blaze and prevent further damage. This powerful photograph, with its historical significance and intriguing narrative, is an essential addition to any collection focusing on London's rich history, firefighting, or the 1960s.

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