What is The Museum of Fire?

The Museum of Fire tells the history of the oldest municipal fire brigade in the United Kingdom, formed in 1824. Housed in the historic Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters building at Lauriston, it shows the development of firefighting in an exciting and educational way.

On display is a range of engines including manual, horse drawn, steam and motorised pumps dating from 1806, along with many other fire related items from as far back as 1426.

A Brief History

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service is the oldest municipal fire brigade in the UK. It was formed in 1824 following a series of disastrous fires which in the preceding years resulted in much loss of life and property. (In the same year, The Great Fire of Edinburgh, pictured right, was the first major test for the new service). Prior to its formation, the City of Edinburgh was served by inadequate Insurance Company fire brigades.

These early provisions proved inefficient in combating Edinburgh’s unique fire problems which were a direct result of the way Edinburgh grew “up” around the Castle and Royal Mile creating the earliest congested high-rise buildings in Europe.

So in October of 1824 the visionary City Fathers formed the Edinburgh Fire Establishment under the inspired leadership of a young man, James Braidwood. His ideas and principles on fire are as true today as they were in 1824.

From these early days grew the traditions of the modern Fire Service, a tradition that is daily appreciated by the whole population. The far-sighted ideas of the early city leaders continue today, with the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Board instituting an innovative Community Education programme. The aim of this initiative is to actively raise public awareness of the dangers of Fire in an attempt to reduce the needless and appalling loss of life and property.

Did You Know?

The oldest items on display are the ‘cleikes of iron’, found in the dungeons of Edinburgh Castle in the 1400’s. The Halley Fire Engine (pictured left), purchased by Leith Fire Brigade in 1910, is the oldest motor engine on display. It was manufactured in Glasgow.

As a rule, early firefighters grew beards to act as a form of smoke filter - they rolled their beards up into their mouths, earning them the name ‘smoke-eaters’.

Visitors’ Comments

• ‘Fascinating and full of history’ - Sarah and Paul, Surrey
• ‘Excellent journey through ‘our’ history’ - Steve and Karen, Shropshire
• ‘The people make the place great, thank you’ - Pat, USA
• ‘Friendly staff, very helpful, lovely wee museum’ - Calum, Germany
• ‘Great collection’ - Rhona Brankin MSP, Scottish Parliament
• ‘Absolutely amazing, wonderful display, outstanding hospitality’ - Pierre, Johannesburg, RSA
• ‘Wonderful tour – incredible collection’ - Gail, USA

Visitor Information

• The Museum is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00
• All visits to the Museum are by guided tour and you must contact us first to arrange your visit
• Organised parties can book a visit during or outside these hours by contacting us
• For further information, or to book your visit, please call 0131 659 7331 or freephone 0800 169 0320 (Maximum number in party 30)
• Disabled Access
• Museum of Fire Leaflet (PDF-861 Kb)

How to Find Us

Local Bus Services are 23, 27, 35, 45 | Guide Friday - Tours also stop outside the Museum