One of our museum volunteers looking after a red 1930s Merryweather fire engine.

The Essex Fire Museum

The Essex Fire Museum gives visitors the opportunity to take a fascinating look at the history of the fire service here in Essex.

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More about the museum

Housing a collection featuring historic fire engines, firefighting equipment, uniforms and photographs. Visitors to the museum will see for themselves how firefighting has changed over the years as the technology has advanced.

Originally created by former Grays Firefighter Roger Pickett having collected a large personal collection, the Essex Fire Museum provides a fascinating look back in to the history of the fire service and the men and women who fought fires to keep the public safe.

The museum plays a key role in our educational work with schools in the area, where it is used not simply as a repository of artefacts but as a living, breathing historical experience.

Our museum volunteer team have carried out a considerable amount of research into the history of the fire service, particularly in Essex.

The creation of the Essex Fire Museum has required energy, dedication, true commitment and vision.

A museum volunteer gives a talk to some school children. They are trying on old fire helmets.

Museum opening dates/times

The museum is open every Tuesdays and occasionally also Sundays throughout the year including school holidays. If you would like to visit us on a Tuesday or Sunday please email us to book a place: museum@essex-fire.gov.uk

Family Fun Open Days

We also organise a number of special open days where we will have lots of themed arts/crafts, activities and displays. They are a great day out for all the family. To book your place, please email us with a date and time you'd like to visit us: museum@essex-fire.gov.uk