Greater Manchester’s firefighting story is being vividly told in a new museum about to open in Rochdale.
FIREGROUND is the new name for the former Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum, which has been closed for redevelopment since March 2020.
Based in Rochdale’s magnificent, art deco inspired former fire station, the new museum is more than four times the size of its predecessor which has operated in an old workshop building since 1983.
The term FIREGROUND has been used in the service since the Second World War to refer to the scene of operations at an emergency incident, similar to battleground in the armed forces. It means the centre of activity and the new FIREGROUND Museum – packed with fascinating displays, stories and features, is exactly that.
Managed entirely by volunteers – many ex-firefighters themselves – the collection boasts over 20 engines (dating from 1741 to the present day), along with uniforms, equipment, medals, paintings and models. Together these tell the story of firefighting from the Great Fire of London in 1666 to modern times.
Curator and retired fire officer, Bob Bonner, said: ‘The new museum tells the proud story of the men and women who have served Greater Manchester since the 1700s, the significant incidents they attended, the equipment they used and the sacrifices they made.’
As well as the original ‘appliance room’ with six full-size fire engines lined up, many objects are displayed in a recreated Victorian street complete with houses, shops, police station and a fire station with two smart grey horses and a steam engine.
‘Pump Street and its Blitz equivalent, Cranberry Street, allow us to display historic items such as fire alarms, signs and hydrants in their natural setting. Visitors can completely immerse themselves in the period displays,’ said Bob.
The museum also commemorates the major contribution made by the many local firms who produced hose, ladders, sprinklers, extinguishers and even complete fire engines.
‘Greater Manchester’s fire engineering companies once supplied the rest of the world,’ added Bob.
Hi-tech interactive displays for all ages, a fully equipped education suite and a comprehensive research facility complete the offering.
The development of FIREGROUND has been made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors, in partnership with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency.
The Museum opens on Saturday, 14 August with a special open day event for all the family.
FIREGROUND
Maclure Road
Rochdale
OL11 1DN
www.fireground.org.uk
