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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

The Origins of Firefighting in Maroubra The history of Maroubra Fire Station reflects the community spirit that has made it a beloved institution. Beyond housing a fire brigade, it has been used as a community hub, embodying the values that unite its residents. Blue prints for Maroubra Fire Station, November 1923 [Museum of Fire Collection] Beginning in 1912, the Randwick Municipal Council recognised the need for a new fire brigade and station to protect the rapidly developin

Brigades assembled for the Official Opening [Museum of Fire Collection] 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, takes us bac

Firefighter Robert Lightfoot standing behind the Turbine Engine, c.1923. [Museum of Fire Collection] Before flashing lights and roaring engines, the race to a fire sounded very different. Instead of sirens, there was the pounding of hooves on dirt or cobblestone. Instead of radios, there were shouted orders, leather reins, and the urgent clang of a station bell. Fires were not only dangerous; they were social events of urgency. Residents often followed the brigade, forming bu

On 25 April 1968, one of Sydney’s most unforgettable fires lit up Darlinghurst, capturing the attention of thousands of city residents and leaving a lasting mark on the city’s history. The fire destroyed Buckingham’s Department Store, an iconic building on the corner of Oxford and Riley Streets, which had been a familiar presence in Sydney since it was established at the start of the twentieth century by Ashley James Buckingham. The store had earned a loyal following among th