Who We Are

Throughout the years, Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society has worked to interpret, educate and celebrate Ottawa and Canada's firefighting heritage.
STATIION 3 OLD BYTOWN FIRE BIRGADE MUSEUM
0 41

Years of Foundation

0 10
k

Visitors in 315 days

0 300

Artifacts Collected

About Our History

We are a volunteer community of practice dedicated to interpreting, educating and celebrating the history of firefighting in Canada’s capital and the country as a whole. 

1980

Formation of Bytown Fire Brigade

Every city’s history is written in the ashes of its many fires and Ottawa is no exception. To help preserve the fire heritage and the history of the Ottawa area, a group of concerned citizens from the business and professional community joined with area firefighters to create The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society in the early 1980s.
1983

Incorporation

Bytown Fire Brigade is officially incorporated as a federally registered non-profit historical society.

1987

Bytown Fire Brigade Museum Opens

The Brigade has lodged its collection in Station # 3 at Cumberland and Clarence (1987), Station # 6 at MacKay and Vaughan (1988) and purchased its current home in 1990 located at 1-2880 Sheffield Rd.

2024

Community Engagement and Artifact Collection

The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society is actively involved in community events, parades, and educational programs. The Brigade celebrates the firefighting community through its collection of antique fire apparatus and artifacts.
1980

Formation of Bytown Fire Brigade

Every city’s history is written in the ashes of its many fires and Ottawa is no exception. To help preserve the fire heritage and the history of the Ottawa area, a group of concerned citizens from the business and professional community joined with area firefighters to create The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society in the early 1980s.
1983

Incorporation

Bytown Fire Brigade is officially incorporated as a federally registered non-profit historical society.

1987

Bytown Fire Brigade Museum Opens

The Brigade has lodged its collection in Station # 3 at Cumberland and Clarence (1987), Station # 6 at MacKay and Vaughan (1988) and purchased its current home in 1990 located at 1-2880 Sheffield Rd.

2024

Community Engagement and Artifact Collection

The Bytown Fire Brigade is actively involved in community events, parades, and educational programs. The Brigade celebrates the firefighting community through its collection of antique fire apparatus and artifacts.

1980

Formation of Bytown Fire Brigade

Every city’s history is written in the ashes of its many fires and Ottawa is no exception. To help preserve the fire heritage and the history of the Ottawa area, a group of concerned citizens from the business and professional community joined with area firefighters to create The Bytown Fire Brigade in the early 1980s.

1983

Incorporation

Bytown Fire Brigade is officially incorporated as a federally registered non-profit historical society.

1987

Bytown Fire Brigade Museum Opens

The Brigade has lodged its collection in Station # 3 at Cumberland and Clarence (1987), Station # 6 at MacKay and Vaughan (1988) and purchased its current home in 1990 located at 1-2880 Sheffield Rd.

2024

Community Engagement and Artifact Collection

The Bytown Fire Brigade is actively involved in community events, parades, and educational programs. The Brigade celebrates the firefighting community through its collection of antique fire apparatus and artifacts.

Our Mission & Vision

MISSION 

The mission of The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society is to collect, preserve, conserve, restore, and display the artifacts and apparatus that tell the history of firefighting in Canada’s capital and the country as a whole.

VISION

We are a volunteer community of practice motivated by personal experience, acquired knowledge, or innate interest, working collaboratively to serve, share, and celebrate the history of Canada’s fire service.

VALUES

Best practices in our organization

Youth empowered to innovate and learn

Trust in all our relationships

Ownership of your brigade role

Wisdom is respected

No discrimination or harassment

Mission

Vision

Our Values

The Mission of The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society is to collect, preserve, conserve, restore and display the artifacts and apparatus that tell the history of firefighting in Canada's capital and the country as a whole.

We are a volunteer community of practice motivated by personal experience, acquired knowledge, or innate interest, working collaboratively to serve, share, and celebrate the history of Canada's fire service.

Best practices in our organization

Youth empowered to innovate and learn

Trust in all our relationships

Ownership of your brigade role

Wisdom is respected

No discrimination or harassment

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The Formation and Impact of The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society

The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society , established in the early 1980s and incorporated in 1983, was created by local business leaders, professionals, and firefighters to preserve the fire heritage of Canada’s Capital Region. It boasts one of Canada’s largest collections of antique fire apparatus and opened The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society Museum in 1987. Despite challenges like the museum’s closure, the Brigade remained dedicated to preserving firefighting history through outreach and educational programs. This commitment honors the legacy and bravery of firefighters.

The Founders

Our Board of Directors

Our Board Members atThe Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society lead with passion and expertise.

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Supporting Partners and Affiliations

At The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society, we understand the importance of collaboration and building strong partnerships to further our mission of preserving Canada's firefighting heritage and promoting fire safety awareness. Through strategic alliances and affiliations with various organizations, we amplify our impact and extend our reach across communities.

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Join Our Team of Volunteers

Ready to make a real impact? Join our team of passionate volunteers and be a part of positive change in your community. Together, we can make a difference that lasts.

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Our Values

Best practices in our organization

Youth empowered to innovate and learn

Trust in all our relationships

Ownership of your brigade role

Wisdom is respected

No discrimination or harassment

Community Engagement

We actively participate in local events, forging connections with residents and organizations to spread awareness of firefighting heritage and safety.

Educational Programs

Through partnerships with schools and educational institutions, we develop innovative resources and kits to educate students on fire safety and historical preservation.

Events

We organize and participate in various events, including parades and festivals, to engage communities and celebrate the legacy of firefighters.

Community Services

Our brigade offers a range of community services, from educational outreach to support during emergencies, strengthening our bonds with local residents and organizations.

What People Say About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society?

The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society is a non-profit organization based in Ottawa, established on February 23, 1983. We serve as a local historical society dedicated to preserving the history or firefighting in Canada's capital and the country as a whole.

What is the mission of The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society?

The mission of The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society is to collect, preserve, conserve, restore, and display the artifacts and apparatus that tell the history of firefighting in Canada’s capital and the country as a whole.

How does The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society preserve firefighting artifacts?

We acquire, restore, and display firefighting artifacts, including antique fire trucks, equipment, and memorabilia. Through careful preservation efforts, we ensure that these artifacts are accessible for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

What educational programs does The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Societyoffer?

We offer a range of educational programs tailored for schools and community groups. These programs cover topics such as fire safety, firefighting history, and the importance of preserving our heritage. Our Educational Discovery Kits, distributed to schools, are particularly popular.

How does The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society engage with the community?

We actively participate in local events, parades, and festivals to engage with residents and organizations. Additionally, we collaborate with schools, museums, and other community partners to spread awareness of firefighting heritage and safety practices.

Is The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society involved in emergency response activities?

We do not engage in emergency response activities like a traditional fire department. Our focus is to Interpret, Educate and Celebrate the history of firefighting in Canada's capital and the country as a whole.

How can I support The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society?

There are several ways to support our organization, including volunteering your time, making a donation, or attending our events. Your support helps us continue our important work in preserving firefighting heritage and promoting fire safety awareness.

Contact Us

If you have any ideas, suggestions, questions or concerns please contact us via the contact form below.