Fire museum

Visit the Official Museum of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service as it celebrates its 25th year. With many and varied exhibits the museum will give you a fascinating glimpse into the history of firefighting. Greater Manchester has played a significant role in the history and development of fire engines and firefighting, which the museum based at Rochdale Fire Station, portrays through its collection.

For example, Manchester had the first municipal fire authority in England, Eccles was the first brigade in Britain to purchase a motor fire engine, and the county has played a major part in fire engine manufacture over the past 150 years.

The museum features several full-size fire appliances, along with equipment, uniforms, models, photographs, medals and insignia and interesting memorabilia relating to such historical figures as James Braidwood and Alfred Tozer.

From Victorian streets to the battle of the Blitz
At the Museum, enjoy a stroll down a replica Victorian street - complete with fire station, insurance office and fire equipment suppliers. There is also a chance for you to take a trip back to the Second World War and look around a scene from the Blitz.

The majority of exhibits have been restored to their present working condition by volunteer members of the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum Society who also look after the Museum, meet visitors and provide crews for the appliances at various events throughout the UK.

Researching the past
A comprehensive archive section is also being built up, which contains photographs, cine film, video, audio tapes and printed material. Although much of this material is not yet available for immediate public access, the museum staff will be happy to assist with any research enquiries. If you do have a query, please contact the Museum first before visiting at museum@manchesterfire.gov.uk or on 01706 901 227.

The museum also sells a range of fire-related souvenir items including postcards, books, models and collectables.

Visitor information
Admission is free and visiting times are every Friday (except bank holidays) 10am - 4pm and the first Sunday of every month. For group visits at othe times, please contact the Museum at museum@manchesterfire.gov.uk or by calling 01706 901 227.

We are happy to accommodate group visits but recommend no more than 30 people per group. Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum is a member of the Association of Independent Museums, and of Fire Heritage Network UK. 

MONTHLY OPEN DAYS (All 10am-4pm - FREE ADMISSION)