This Fire Brigade Museum in Pune is home to Rolls-Royce Vintage Dennis fire brigade
Pune is already home to several museums that celebrate history and miniatures, and now it has added a first-of-its-kind fire and rescue museum to its valuable centers. The Late Keshavrao Narayanrao Jagtap Fire Brigade Museum was inaugurated on December 18th, 2016, and boasts a carefully curated collection that includes the Rolls-Royce Vintage Dennis fire brigade used in the 1961 Panshet Dam burst rescue operations.
Many people are unaware of the importance of fire brigades and firefighters, and this museum aims to increase awareness about them, the old and new equipment used, and the techniques employed in firefighting disasters. The museum is spread over the ground and first floors and showcases various equipment and suits used in fire management, rescue belts, wireless sets, emergency lights, and cameras that can see through smoke.
The museum has also made cut-outs of faceless firefighters where visitors can place their faces and get pictures clicked. Another highlight is a Ganapati statue made from waste equipment. In a corner, there is a water body with a boat floating in it, showcasing how firefighters are trained to rescue people in floods.
Display panels with pictures and information have been put up for people to read about how fire brigades work. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has also set up a stage to show people how fires can take place, what the fire brigade does, and how to protect oneself in case of a calamity. Going forward, the PMC plans to have a three-minute live model show for the same.
The museum has around 100 antique fire equipment used in various rescue operations, and a hall used for staff training and film shows about the functioning of the fire brigade. This new addition to Pune’s museums is expected to raise awareness about the importance of firefighters and the risks they take to save lives.
“Fire brigade Museum started in 2016, and the response of the public is good. In the museum we have showcased the essential items which are used in fire brigades to know the importance of those items” said Devendra Potphode, head of fire brigade department PMC.
The museum timings are Sunday to Monday 10am to 6pm and entry is free of cost. The fire brigade museum is located at Erandwane.
