Street Fire Alarms Will Give Way to "999" Telephone System A general view of the the control Room, showing the exchange where "999" calls will be received at the Fire Brigade Headquarters in London today (Friday). The Fire Switch Board in the Control Room of the Fire Brigade headquarters in London will become the "nerve centre" for fire warnings if the London County Council approve the suggested abolition of-all street fire alarms (the familiar red-painted "Break Glass and Pull" pillars). The new scheme is for the - "999" emergency telephone call to be used in place of ***** fire alarms. January 21, 1949.