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*This information is an extract from the colour-book produced by the Museum of Fire's Heritage Team to celebrate the opening of the new Lambton Fire Station at an event held in 2016. This book included the history of five stations. These were New Lambton, Lambton, Hamilton, Adamstown and Broadmeadow Fire Brigade's. Should you wish to use any of the information and pictures provided we ask that you please reference the Museum correctly and contact the Museum for permission whe

The Leyland Crane with a Ford D400 at Five Dock Workshops, c.1970s [Museum of Fire Collection] This month marks ten years since the restoration of the Museum’s 1938 Leyland Crane. The Crane was purchased by the Museum of Fire in June 2010 and took just over six years to restore, with the Museum receiving a highly commended award at the National Trust Heritage Award. During the mid-1930s, recovering damaged or broken-down vehicles was a major logistical issue for fire brigades

If you've ever driven through regional Australia in summer, chances are you've seen one - a roadside sign with a needle pointing to a colour-coded scale ranging from low to catastrophic. The Fire Danger Meter is one of Australia's most recognisable pieces of public safety infrastructure. But behind that simple roadside sign lies a remarkably rich history of science, tragedy, and ongoing adaptation. A general view showing Greta Bushfire Brigade Station in the background, and a

Firefighters attack the fire [Photograph by Michael Connaughton, courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW] In the early hours of Friday, 24 June 2016, firefighters were called to furniture factory in Greenacre that was well alight. The factory contained a spray booth and a large quantity of paints and thinners. A large explosion in the factory resulted in flames and a severe weakening of the building’s structure. A number of 000 calls were reported at 2:47am and the crews from Banksto

The history and formation of Bellbird Fire Brigade is inseparable from the area’s coal mining history. The establishment of mines in the area began in the early 1900s, and with that brought the establishment of a nearby village in 1908. The looming threat of fire and the destruction it wrought, was soon made apparent after the Bellbird Mine disaster of 1923. Explosions at the Bellbird Colliery, one of the busiest coalfields in the region, on 3 September 1923 caused a number o

In the early hours of 26 May 1976, one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings was lit up with flames that left it in ruins. Built in 1891, the Strand Arcade is Sydney's last remaining Victorian shopping arcade dating to the late 19th Century. The arcade had been a thriving hub within Sydney in the early 20th Century, providing shoppers and pedestrians with a quiet respite from the increasingly crowded and bustling streets. As one of the first places in the city with electrical ill

Chief Officer Bill Reay [Museum of Fire Collection] When Bill Reay reflected on his time as Chief Officer, he described the role as “honouring and humbling… rewarding and demanding… satisfying and frustrating – but above all, challenging”. It was a fitting summary for a man whose leadership of the NSW Fire Brigades was defined by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to service. Reay was the NSWFB’s 18th Chief Officer, and notably, the first Inspector ever promo

Wyong State Championship, 27-29 October 2016 [Photo courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW] The Firefighter Championships began as ‘Demonstrations’ or ‘Demos’, where fire brigades exhibited their skills to the local community. Events in the Demos were based on real situations firefighters faced daily and were designed to highlight their talent and expertise whilst having the extra benefit of being a form of training. This week, our Championship historian and guest blogger John Hand,

Wentworth Falls' Third Fire Station [Image courtesy of Wentworth Falls Fire Brigade] Establishment of a Wentworth Falls Sub-Station and Brigade In 1937 suggestions were made for the establishment of a sub-station in Wentworth Falls. The sub-station would be equipped with a hose cart, and other necessary equipment for the fighting of bushfires. This would eventuate in 1943 with the establishment of the sub-station comprised originally of 10 Auxiliary Reserve Corps members, wh

At the Museum of Fire, we enjoy taking the public on a walk down memory lane. Sometimes that walk is a long one as we delve back over a hundred years, but it can also be a short one. Today, we take a quick jump back a decade to 2016. Cranebrook Bushfire, 4 November 2016. [Photographed by Retained Firefighter Brendon Roberts, courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW] It was in November 2016 that a fast-moving fire, originating in Cranebrook, spread to the nearby Llandilo and Londonderr