National Fire Service transfers to local control. With the transfer to local control of all stations and appliances of the National Fire Service , the Home Secretary Mr J Chuter Ede attended a ceremony at the NFS Headquarters to mark the official handing over . Picture shows " Local Ladders" - high above the ground flies the NFS (London) flag , as members of the London Brigade demonstrate their agility on fire escapes , following today's ceremonies at Headquarters in London 1st April 1948