Fireman at Moss Side

Standing proud beside his fire watch hut, this brave fireman from Moss Side poses next to an early 20th-century fire ladder cart, ready for action should the alarm ring out. Taken around 1901, this rare photo captures a moment of quiet preparedness on Denmark Road, at a time when fires were fought with strength, courage—and horsepower.

The small wooden hut, likely a local fire station outpost, was part of Manchester’s effort to bring emergency services closer to fast-growing neighbourhoods during the industrial boom.

🚒 The sign above reads “FIRE FIRE – START THE ALARM,” reminding passersby of how vital these early responders were to keeping the city safe.

📷 Got photos of early Manchester life or vintage emergency services in your family archive? Upload them to Oldpik.com and help us build a visual story of Britain’s unsung everyday heroes.