Fireground
The Museum tells the story of firefighting, particularly in the Greater Manchester region. The area has played a significant role in the story of fire brigades and fire engineering. Manchester formed England’s first municipal fire service in 1826, whilst the country’s earliest motorised fire engine was delivered to Eccles in 1901.
Originally opened in 1983 as the Brigade Museum of Greater Manchester County Fire Service, the Museum has operated as an independent, charitable trust since 2010. Through a unique Partnership Agreement, the Museum Trust retains its close ties with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, which is a major stakeholder and corporate member and which provides an annual support grant to the Museum.
The Museum is affiliated to Fire Heritage Network UK (FHNUK), the Association of Independent Museums and the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society. The Museum also serves as the head office for FHNUK and its Curator is currently Secretary of the Network.
In 2010, the Museum was awarded full accreditation from Visit England under the VAQAS (Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme) arrangements and in 2014 was awarded the Quality Badge of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
The Museum offers educational visits for pupils and students of all ages from reception to A-level. Regular topics include The Great Fire of London, People Who Help Us, Victorians, Uniforms and The Blitz.
For more information please click here to visit the Fireground website