The beginning of firefighting in Bytown
Our firefighting legacy is a testament to resilience and dedication, forged amidst the flames of adversity. Through the Bytown Fire Brigade, we preserve the heroic stories of those who bravely battled infernos to protect our communities. From antique fire trucks to hand-drawn apparatus, our collection stands as a tribute to the valor and ingenuity of firefighters past and present.
With each artifact, we honor their courage and sacrifice, ensuring that their legacy blazes brightly for generations to come. Our firefighting heritage is not just a chapter in history but a living testament to the spirit of service and commitment that defines our community.
Timeline of Firefighting in Ottawa
Every cityâs history is written in the ashes of its many fires â Canadaâs Capital Region is no exception.Â
Formation of Bytown Fire Brigade
Concerned citizens from various sectors along with firefighters establish the Bytown Fire Brigade to preserve Ottawa's firefighting heritage. (Early 1980s)
Incorporation
Bytown Fire Brigade is officially incorporated as a federally registered non-profit historical society.
Bytown Fire Brigade Museum Opens
The Brigade takes possession of the old Ottawa Fire Station #3 and opens the Bytown Fire Brigade Museum to the public. (March 1, 1987)
Museum Closure and Reopening
The museum initially closes due to the City's decision to sell the building but reopens later in November with scaled-down operations. (May 21, 1987)
Relocation
The Brigade moves into the old Ottawa Fire Station #6 in the New Edinburgh area after the closure of the previous location. (November 1988)
Permanent Location
Bytown Fire Brigade purchases a newly-constructed warehouse unit at 2880 Sheffield Road for its operations. (October 1990)
Millennium Cross-Canada Tour
Bytown Fire Brigade conducts a cross-Canada tour with antique fire trucks, promoting fire safety and historical preservation. (May 25, 2000 - August 29, 2000)
Community Engagement and Artifact Collection
Bytown Fire Brigade continues its involvement in community events, parades, and educational programs. The brigade expands its collection of antique fire apparatus and artifacts, preserving Ottawa's firefighting history.
Major Fires and Incidents
FROM THE CANADIAN ILLUSTRATED NEWS, MAY 24, 1873
A serious fire occurred on Daly Street, on Friday last, by which property to the amount of nearly $150.000 was destroyed. The fire had it’s origin in the rear of what is know as Patterson Place, and owning to the insufficient means at hand for extinguishing conflagrations, spread unrestrained to the neighbouring buildings, until the entire block between Daly and Stewart Streets was consumed. Fortunately the wind was not high at the time. Had this been the case, there can be little doubt that a large portion of the City would have been consumed.
The Brigade's Collection of Trucks and Apparatus
The Brigade has a large collection of antique fire apparatus and equipment. The first piece acquired by the Brigade was an 1886 horse -drawn Silsby Steamer purchased in 1984. Over the years the Brigade has invested considerable money and time in restoring these historical artifacts.
Artifacts
M.S.A. CHEMOX OXYGEN BREATHING APPARATUS
OTTAWA STATION 11 RESPONSE BOARD
The Fire Helmet
This Chieftain Safe-T- Helmet was popular in the late 70’s and well into the 80’s. It was made with a fiberglass compression-molded shell for superior flame and heat resistance, thermal impact cap, ratchet adjustment, and an adjustable headband to fit all S.C.B.A.s. This helmet was issued to Ottawa FIrefighter Steve O’Neil when he was hired in 1977.
Historical Artifacts of the Ottawa Fire Department
Explore the Ottawa Fire Department’s historical artifacts, including a 1897 logbook, a 1868 walking stick presented to Captain Grison, medallions awarded to firefighter Stephen Raganald, a firefighter’s helmet from the late 1970s, a speaker’s trumpet from the 1860s belonging to Richard Devlin, and a fire mark from the Royal Insurance Company. These artifacts offer a glimpse into Ottawa’s firefighting heritage and the bravery of its firefighters throughout history.
Ottawa Fire Department Chiefs
Ottawa Fire Department Chiefs showcases the notable individuals who have led the fire service in Ottawa over the years, highlighting their contributions to firefighting practices, community safety, and emergency response strategies.
1867 - 1872
1872 - 1897
1897 - 1909
1910 - 1921
1921 - 1930
1930 - 1932
1932 - 1937
1937- 1943
1943 -1953
1953 -1956
1956 - 1961
1961 -1966
1966 - 1967
1967 - 1967
1967 - 1975
1975 - 1979
1979 - 1982
1982 -1989
1989 - 1994
1995 - 2000
2000-2009
2009 - 2015
2015 - 2018
2018 - 2021
Fire Chiefs Past and Present
The evolution of firefighting techniques and equipment has progressed from hand-drawn pumps and horse-drawn wagons to modern, specialized apparatus and advanced firefighting technologies, reflecting a continuous quest for efficiency and safety in combating fires.
Antique Firetrucks Collection
Includes iconic vehicles such as the 1941 Ward LaFrance/Diamond T triple combination pumper and the 1886 horse-drawn Silsby Steamer.
American LaFrance Pump Collection
Highlights vintage fire pumps from different eras, such as the 1921 and 1928 models.
Diverse Fire Apparatus Collection
Encompasses a range of antique fire vehicles, from the 1939 Ford Bickle to the 1948 American LaFrance.
Early Fire Communications in Ottawa
Discover how the Ottawa Fire Department communicated in its early years. In 1948, Fire Alarm Central coordinated firefighting efforts with lights, bells, and ticker tape. The 1920 installation of Canada’s first Three-Fold Central Alarm Station Fire Alarm System by Northern Electric marked a milestone. Operators relayed fire details via radio, evolving communication in firefighting. Georges Potvin, founder of Bytown Fire Brigade, demonstrated early telegraph signal use.
Ottawa Fire Department's Early Communications
Biograqphics
Ottawa Fire Department
Alexander Gardiner - District Chief
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
Maynard Benson - District Chief
Ottawa Fire Department
Norman Green - Fire Prevention
Chief
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
William J. Willette -
L.o.d.d. Firefighter
Ottawa Fire Department
Bytown Fire Brigade
Rene Valiquette - District Chief
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
Ottawa Fire Department
La Famille PagÃĐ - The PagÃĐ Family
A Century Of Service - Un SiÃĻcle De Service
Ottawa Fire Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bytown Fire Brigade?
The Bytown Fire Brigade is a non-profit organization based in Ottawa, established on February 23, 1983. We serve as a local historical society dedicated to preserving firefighting artifacts and educating the community about its rich history.
What is the mission of the Bytown Fire Brigade?
Our mission is to preserve firefighting heritage and promote fire safety awareness in the community. We achieve this through various initiatives, including artifact preservation, educational programs, community engagement, and events.
How does the Bytown Fire Brigade 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 offer?
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 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 involved in emergency response activities?
While we do not engage in emergency response activities like a traditional fire department, we offer community services and support during emergencies when needed. Our focus, however, remains on historical preservation, education, and community engagement.
How can I support the Bytown Fire Brigade?
Contact Us
We are waiting for you on our office in New York or in way, contact us via the contact form below your idea.