Britannia Bridge Fire Report Pictures

The Fire Brigade report was accompanied by a number of black & white photographs.

Britannia Bridge (rep1.jpg)

This photograph indicates the position where the right hand tube meets the stonework of the Caernarvonshire entrance to the Bridge, an illustrates the main position of the wooden structure which was fired in the first instance, and where it is believed the fire commenced.

Britannia Bridge (rep3.jpg)

This shows half of the area to which the fire rose and both of these areas as can be seen are severely damaged by fire. It was this section that was the only entrance to the Caernarvonshire personnel had to get on to the top of the tunnels to fight the fire. In the photograph will be seen the main high tension electricity cable running from the Wylfa Atomic Power Station which remained alive for approximately 45 minutes from the outbreak of fire. It will also be seen how the terrific heat had spalled the massive stonework and also will be seen the huge cast iron girders for adjusting the bridge, which were almost red hot, and which cracked when water was applied.

Britannia Bridge (rep4.jpg)

This photograph show the entrance of the Tubular Bridge, and the fire commenced approximately 36 ft inside the right hand tunnel.

Britannia Bridge (rep5.jpg)

This photograph illustrates the exit from the area of fire inside the first tower to the main roof and void, and the narrow apertures which the firemen had to negotiate in order to get on to the roof of the tunnels.

Britannia Bridge (rep6.jpg)

This shows the devastated area of the first span of the Bridge and through the left hand aperture can be seen the apertures of the Britannia Tower to which the fire spread on the Caernarvonshire side. The sagging metal strips which can be seen are the tongues provided for the grooved of the roof boards.

Britannia Bridge (rep7.jpg)

This is an aerial photograph which illustrates the continuous run which the fire had from the Caernarvonshire to the Anglesey side of the Bridge. It clearly shows the 10ft gap between the tubes which allowed the fire adequate ventilation and draught which caused rapid spread of fire throughout its length. As the wind was blowing in a South Westerly direction (from the left hand corner of the photograph) it will be seen that the greatest amount of heat occurred on the span of the bridge on the Anglesey side of the Straits. The Central Tower in which there was a store and workshops received the greatest amount if heat punishment, and this will be seen by the white calcined surface of the tower's top stone work.

Britannia Bridge (rep8.jpg)

This photograph was taken from the Caernarvonshire side of the Bridge and illustrates the sagging of the two centre arches of the bridge. This was caused by 30ft metal plates 1" thick, which were used as joining plates on the centre towers shearing and splitting and allowing the bridge to drop as shown.