As the year draws to a close, we always spend time reflecting on what stories and photographs were popular on our socials. Our team enjoy sharing historic incidents and anniversaries, just as much as we take pride in sharing the various updates we’ve made around the Museum and the various activities we’ve been taking part in.
In what will be one of the last blogs for 2024 we’ve taken a look at the most popular images we’ve shared on Instagram. It is said that a picture speaks a thousand words and each of the images amongst the top 9 most popular we shared are some great stories.
In no particular order here are the nine most liked photographs of the year!
![Fire rises up behind Faulconbridge train Station in the Blue Mountains, January 1994 [Museum of Fire Collection]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/acf215_a92d2e2b7e4a439bbd99b677393ff912~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_848,h_847,al_c,q_90,enc_auto/acf215_a92d2e2b7e4a439bbd99b677393ff912~mv2.png)
Fire rises up behind Faulconbridge train Station in the Blue Mountains
The Museum began 2024 by paying tribute to the 1994 bushfires, which had occurred 30 years ago between 3-15 January.
In the aftermath of the tragedy great learnings were taken away and as a result firefighters are more prepared to manage bushfire emergencies. As a result of the fires a coronial inquiry was held which led to the re-development of the Bushfire Brigade, which became the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and within the NSWFB the establishment of Community Fire Unit’s (CFU) was initiated.
The Museum established a brand new CFU and bushfire exhibit this year. To read more about the 1994 bushfires and CFU follow this link
The White Knight at Alexandria Training College
This year for 2024 the Museum’s Vehicle of the Year was announced as the 1984 Centenary Vehicle, an International 1810C pumper more colloquially and favourably known as the ‘White Knight’. As the name suggests this fire engine was originally commissioned and installed in 1984 to celebrate the centenary of the Fire Brigade (known as the New South Wales Fire Brigade, NSWFB, now better known as Fire and Rescue NSW, FRNSW).
To commemorate the White Knight being named the Museum’s 2024 Vehicle of the Year a limited range of merchandise was created. There are only a few items left! You can shop the range by clicking this link
The Museum’s volunteers have been very busy working on getting the White Knight into a position to be on public display however it has been a very hard road. To read more about the White Knight you can read our blog!
Denise Butcher (nee Bryant) and Heather Barnes, Alexandria Training College
This photograph was shared by the Museum on our Instagram feed to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March. These two women were the first to compete the NSWFB’s Training program in 1985: thus, becoming the first female firefighters. While Barnes would go on to serve for 20 years, Butcher remains in the brigade today.
In 2025 the Museum will be hosting an exhibition on the history of women within FRNSW, which will be opened to coincide with the release of a book celebrating the 40th anniversary since women joined the brigade.
Hard Rock Café, Crown Street, Surry Hills
At 5:35pm on 14 July 1999, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the Crown Street Hard Rock Café in Surry Hills. The first appliances arrived on scene at 5:44pm to find patrons and staff had evacuated, with the manager informing firefighters that the kitchen was well alight. At 6:08pm a red message was sent to state that the fire was in the kitchen and had spread through the ducts to the first floor. Further assistance was required so pumpers from Alexandria and Glebe were sent on. Firefighters on the first floor were working in pitch black conditions trying to find the seat of the fire. It was discovered that the fire was spreading through the ducts, false ceiling spaces and wall cavities all around firefighters. Firefighters struggled to find the seat of the fire, so instructions were issued to commence ventilation. The stop message was finally sent at 8:43pm after the fire was located in the rear store area.
This story featured in the Museum’s history of Alexandria Fire Brigade, which was published earlier this year to celebrate the re-opening of the station after recent renovations. To read more about Alexandria Fire Brigade follow this link
The Museum’s updated Junior Firefighter Zone
At the start of the year the Museum’s volunteers worked overtime to upgrade our Junior Firefighter Zone. This included removing the old tables which served little purpose and replacing them with a dedicated zone aimed at younger children. This space now contains a play mat with fire engine and firefighter toys as well as a large fire station playset that children can use their imaginations and play. There are also lots of books and puzzles. This space has been popular with families, especially those with young children. It has been great to create a space that welcomes those children who may have otherwise been too small or intimidated by our existing Junior Firefighter Zone.
Now and Then: Now and Then: Left: the first aerial appliance in the NSW Fire brigades was this 80-foot extension ladder, mounted on a horse-drawn, articulated chassis, which came into service in 1893; modern fire truck from 098 Cranebrook
This image represents the main theme we’ve been celebrating throughout 2024 the 140-year anniversary of Fire and Rescue NSW.
This year marks 140 years since the creation of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), which today is known as Fire and Rescue NSW. Prior to this there were fire brigades in Sydney, however they were operated independently by various businesses or local communities. The establishment of the 1884 Fire Brigades Act created one firefighting body for Sydney. All brigades had to now register with the newly formed governing body of the MFB and had to meet certain requirements to remain active. Due to these tight rules many of the fully volunteer brigades were unable to continue operating in Sydney and were soon replaced by MFB sanctioned brigades.
The Museum has enjoyed being part of the 140-year celebrations and has shared several blogs throughout the year on this topic. Begin your deep dive into the 140 years of FRNSW by reading this blog
Factory Fire on Patty's Place, Jamisontown, 8 May 2004
At 8:21am on 8 May 2004, several triple zero calls were made to a factory fire on Patty’s Place, Jamisontown. Penrith Fire Brigade arrived at the scene within eight minutes and were confronted with a well-alight factory complex containing packing products, telecommunications equipment and several LP gas cylinders. This 5th alarm fire took 85 firefighters from 12 surrounding fire stations with several aerial appliances - 16 hours to bring under control. The fire saw several wall collapses and an unstable roof, and a large smoke plume which was visible for several hours. Hazmat crews monitored the situation for potential water run-off to minimize pollution of local water ways.
City of Sydney Fire Station on St. Florian’s Day 2024
St. Florian is the Patron Saint of firefighters so each St. Florian’s Day, just as we do every day, we pay tribute to firefighters past and present who serve to protect the community; but do you know the story of the man himself?
Born around 250 CE in what is now Austria, at the time it was a Roman city, and he made his way up through the ranks of the Roman army. As part of his duties, he was responsible for organising fire brigades, specifically for the creation of an elite group of firefighters established from the ranks of the military.
Living at a time when Christians were persecuted by the ancient Romans, Florian was sentenced to be burned at the stake when it was discovered he was supporting Christians in his area.
Unafraid, he told the soldiers sent to execute him that he wasn’t scared of the fire so apprehensive of his words being powerful enough to incite a rebellion the soldiers drowned him instead.
In 1184, Florian became the Patron Saint of Poland and has since become the Patron Saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps soap makers and brewers.
Alexandria Training College, March 1975
This photograph was shared to celebrate 50 years since the opening of the first purpose-built training facility at Alexandria. Training would continue at this facility until 2018 when a new modern facility, known as the Emergency Services Academy, was opened at Orchard Hills.
-Story by the Museum of Fire Heritage Team
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