FIREGROUND | Fireground
Source: https://www.fireground.org.uk
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:41
FIREGROUND | Fireground
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call 01706 341219
Welcome to
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.
Pioneering and innovative chief fire officers such as Alfred Tozer and George Parker in Manchester, John Eccles of Rochdale and Albert Bentley in Salford helped forge the reputation of our local fire brigades through their revolutionary measures and technical skills. In later years, the Greater Manchester Fire Service (now Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) continued these traditions through its high-level safety campaigning and proud operational record.
Over the past 200 years, our local fire services have had to deal with every type of incident, from house fires to cotton mill blazes, from all kinds of industrial fires to major ship, road, rail and aircraft incidents, as well as two world wars and terrorist incidents of national significance.
The area was also noted as an important centre of manufacture for fire engines, fire hose and equipment. Companies such as William Rose, John Morris and Mather & Platt achieved universal success in their particular fields.
Twenty-five larger exhibits make up the appliance fleet, supported by many other items of firefighting equipment, uniforms, models, medals and insignia, paintings, curios and other objects. The Museum also holds several items related to the famous Tozer family of fire chiefs.
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. Please visit Our Education Services pages for further details of how to arrange a visit, plus study material and summaries of the topics we can cover.
For Visitor Information. Local Brigade History, Forthcoming Events, or Shop Sales, or if you wish to Contact Us , please follow the appropriate links.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Museum in the very near future !
Mission Statement
”To explore, preserve and make accessible the history of fire, fire engineering and the fire and rescue services in the Greater Manchester region and, through our collections and resources, to further the education and promotion of fire safety in the community.”
Latest Museum News
MUSEUM CLOSED 23rd APRIL
Please note that - due to staff bereavement - the Museum will be CLOSED all day on Thursday 23rd April. We apologise to visitors for any inconvenience caused.
View Full Article
Fund Raising
If you would like to support Fireground by means of a donation click the DONATE button below. Thank you!
Visitor Reviews
An amazing experience- we will definitely return
19th May 2023
Staff were really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend
23rd March 2024
Highly recommended. A credit to all involved
5th April 2024
Fabulous museum, amazing staff, lovely cafe. Had a lovely visit
Will definitely be back. Volunteer staff super friendly
4th May 2024
An amazing experience, the staff are absolutely awesome
29th August 2024
The volunteers are so knowledgeable and so interesting to talk to....
1st May 2025
Highly recommended - you won't regret it
1st November 2024
An amazing museum
1st August 2024
Would recommend a visit to here for anybody
1st November 2024
Brilliant tour guides !
1st February 2025
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View partner site
View partner site
View partner site
View partner site
View partner site
Skip to main content
call 01706 341219
Welcome to
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.
Pioneering and innovative chief fire officers such as Alfred Tozer and George Parker in Manchester, John Eccles of Rochdale and Albert Bentley in Salford helped forge the reputation of our local fire brigades through their revolutionary measures and technical skills. In later years, the Greater Manchester Fire Service (now Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) continued these traditions through its high-level safety campaigning and proud operational record.
Over the past 200 years, our local fire services have had to deal with every type of incident, from house fires to cotton mill blazes, from all kinds of industrial fires to major ship, road, rail and aircraft incidents, as well as two world wars and terrorist incidents of national significance.
The area was also noted as an important centre of manufacture for fire engines, fire hose and equipment. Companies such as William Rose, John Morris and Mather & Platt achieved universal success in their particular fields.
Twenty-five larger exhibits make up the appliance fleet, supported by many other items of firefighting equipment, uniforms, models, medals and insignia, paintings, curios and other objects. The Museum also holds several items related to the famous Tozer family of fire chiefs.
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. Please visit Our Education Services pages for further details of how to arrange a visit, plus study material and summaries of the topics we can cover.
For Visitor Information. Local Brigade History, Forthcoming Events, or Shop Sales, or if you wish to Contact Us , please follow the appropriate links.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Museum in the very near future !
Mission Statement
”To explore, preserve and make accessible the history of fire, fire engineering and the fire and rescue services in the Greater Manchester region and, through our collections and resources, to further the education and promotion of fire safety in the community.”
Latest Museum News
MUSEUM CLOSED 23rd APRIL
Please note that - due to staff bereavement - the Museum will be CLOSED all day on Thursday 23rd April. We apologise to visitors for any inconvenience caused.
View Full Article
Fund Raising
If you would like to support Fireground by means of a donation click the DONATE button below. Thank you!
Visitor Reviews
An amazing experience- we will definitely return
19th May 2023
Staff were really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend
23rd March 2024
Highly recommended. A credit to all involved
5th April 2024
Fabulous museum, amazing staff, lovely cafe. Had a lovely visit
Will definitely be back. Volunteer staff super friendly
4th May 2024
An amazing experience, the staff are absolutely awesome
29th August 2024
The volunteers are so knowledgeable and so interesting to talk to....
1st May 2025
Highly recommended - you won't regret it
1st November 2024
An amazing museum
1st August 2024
Would recommend a visit to here for anybody
1st November 2024
Brilliant tour guides !
1st February 2025
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View partner site
View partner site