Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting is a fascinating exploration of nearly 300 years of firefighting history. Discover vintage fire trucks and firefighting apparatus, try hands-on activities and explore memorials. The museum consists of six themed galleries spread over a large exhibition space.

Head to the first gallery to see some of the earliest examples of firefighting technology. See hand- and horse-drawn fire engines with beautiful hand-painted decorations restored to near-original state. The oldest part of the collection is an English fire engine built in 1725. In the second gallery, study the fire rigs that date from 1897 to 1930 and include some of the earliest motorized American fire engines.

View the impressive collection of antique fire helmets. Among the dozens on display are a London Metropolitan Fire Brigade helmet from the late 19th century and an early 20th-century spiked helmet from Germany. Discover how forest fires are fought by surveying exhibits at the Wildland Firefighting Gallery. They include a replica of a forest lookout station and a truck from the 1930s.

Children have much to look forward to with a visit to the Hall of Flame. As well as viewing machinery, they can dress up in uniforms, sit on an old fire engine, climb a fire pole and pick up fire safety tips at the interactive Fire Safety Exhibit.

The museum also honors the thousands of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1981, the first year that national records were kept. Read their names displayed on the walls of the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. Take a few moments for reflection at the memorial to firemen and policemen killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center.

The Hall of Flame, located just outside Papago Park, is a 15-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. There is no access by public transportation, but on-site car parking is free. The museum is open daily and admission charges apply.