Fire Grenades in Benicia?
Its true. Come see one of the most extensive displays of Fire Grenades on the West Coast. Fire Grenades were the first attempts at home fire extinguishers. Dating back to the 1800’s, the Benicia Fire Museum has dozens of examples, from standard glass bulbs to decorative containers meant to be displayed on the fire mantles at exclusive homes. Hear the history of the fire service and see wonderful displays of fire engines both hand pumpers and motorized.
Declared one of the best Fire Museum of the western states, the Benicia Fire Museum holds thousands of fire fighting related equipment, articles, toys, and much more.
The museum houses many treasures of fire service equipment and hundreds of related items, including the “Phoenix,” an 1820’s double decker hand-pumper requiring 45 men to operate-one of the first fire engines to arrive in California in 1847. It remained in service for 74 years, but in 1921 was replaced by a state of the art steam engine.
The Benicia Fire Museum was founded in 1981, thanks to the efforts of the Benicia Volunteer Firemen and the Benicia Fire Department. The museum, located at 900 East Main Street, is open the first three Sundays of the month from 1-4 p.m. Special tours are frequently conducted for groups, schools, and even individuals. Special tours can be arranged by calling 707 745- 1688, please allow 2 weeks for arrangements. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted.
If you have an interest in the fire service or in volunteering at the museum, please call the above number or attend their monthly meeting which is held at the museum, 900 East Second Street, the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.