Capital’s first female fire chief wants more women and minorities for London Fire Brigade

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London's first female Fire Commissioner is urging more women to become firefighters

Dany Cotton said she wants to increase the percentage of female operational staff from 7 per cent to 18 per cent.

“I want the brigade to truly reflect the city that we serve and that means more women firefighters but also more applicants from London's diverse communities and cultures.

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“Modern firefighting is a varied role, with numerous career paths from investigating fires to specialist rescue and dealing with hazardous materials but also community work to stop fires breaking out in the first place.

150 years of the London Fire Brigade Tue, November 10, 2015

Rare images of heroic firefighters rescuing victims from rubble and battling infernos during the WW2 Blitz have been released to mark 150 years of the London Fire Brigade

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Firemen and firewomen had to be kept gainfully employed and a high level of fitness and preparedness maintained. Training assault courses were established to combine fire brigade skills with fitness training. 1943

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Dany Cotton said she wants the brigade 'to truly reflect the city'

“If you don't like the idea of a desk job but like meeting people, pushing yourself, being part of a team and working in the community, you should really think about joining us.”

Miss Cotton, now 47, joined the fire brigade at the age of 18 and started serving as a firefighter at Wimbledon fire station in 1988 before working her way up through the ranks.

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