top of page

Blog


Major Gas Explosion at Kogarah – 4 December 1995
Fire and blast at Amusement Zone in Kogarah, 4 December 1995 [Museum of Fire Collection] On Monday, 4 December 1995, a quiet afternoon in Kogarah was shattered by a devastating gas explosion at a family amusement centre on Railway Street. What began as a report of a strong smell of gas quickly escalated into one of the most serious incidents the area had seen in decades. Firefighters from No. 021 Kogarah and No. 029 Rockdale were dispatched at 2:00pm, but before crews could f

Curator
3 days ago3 min read


Station Focus: 302 Glen Innes Fire Brigade 1886 - 2016
The Glen Innes Volunteer Fire Brigade In 1872, when Glen Innes was proclaimed a municipality, it was recognised that a fire brigade was needed. During a meeting of the Glen Innes Fire Brigade Board on 24 November 1886, it was approved, and subsequently agreed upon that John Sully be appointed Captain of the Brigade. Over the coming years, funds were raised for a manual pumper, and in February 1888, it was decided that one would be ordered. The appliance cost £250 (approximate

Museum of Fire Heritage Team
Nov 134 min read


The Armidale Amazons: The First Women's Brigade Established in NSW
The Establishment Of The Armidale Amazons Forming in 1901 under the guidance of Captain T. Webb from the Armidale Fire Brigade, the ‘Amazons’ as they are affectionately known as were a brigade of incredibly well trained young women. Literature at the time of the NSW Fire Brigade’s existence confirms they were established as a ‘novelty performance group’, but despite this, their skill became well known both around Australia and overseas, with American newspapers even reporting

Museum of Fire Heritage Team
Oct 282 min read


Station Focus: 282 Dungog Fire Brigade 1920-2025
Community Roots The history of organised fire protection in the Dungog district is long and varied. Beginning as early as 1912, attempts...

Museum of Fire Heritage Team
Oct 74 min read


What’s in a Name? – The Meaning Behind the Museum of Fire
The name of our museum often turns heads and prompts a curious “Oh?” from visitors. It’s not uncommon for people to ask, “The Museum of...

CEO
Oct 23 min read


Hydrants at the Ready: How Water Shaped the Fire Brigade
On Sunday 14 September 2025, the Museum of Fire hosted our annual History Week Keynote Presentation. At the Museum of Fire, we have...

CEO
Sep 165 min read


Station Focus: 499 West Wyalong Fire Brigade 1907 – 2025
Volunteer Origins Several discussions were held in the early 1900s to form a fire brigade in the West Wyalong district. By March 1907, a...

Museum of Fire Heritage Team
Sep 94 min read


Station Focus: 210 Balgownie Fire Brigade 1925 - 2025
Attempts to Form a Brigade Consideration regarding fire protection in the North Illawarra District began to be explored by the Board of...

Museum of Fire Heritage Team
Aug 215 min read


Remembering Chatswood Fire Station
At the Museum of Fire, our mission extends beyond simply housing historic objects. We exist to preserve and share the stories, memories,...

CEO
Aug 74 min read


Station Focus: 083 Riverstone Fire Brigade 1925-2025
Formation of Riverstone Fire Brigade Interest in the fire protection of Riverstone was brought to the foreground in 1923. At this time,...

Museum of Fire Heritage Team
Jul 223 min read
bottom of page
