Baltimore City Fire Museum

04/27/2026

When the Baltimore Museum Burned at Calvert & Baltimore
In December 1873, Baltimoreans gathered at the corner of Calvert and Baltimore Streets to stare at the shell of a landmark. The old Baltimore Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts — later tied to theater and popular entertainment — had been badly damaged by fire.
This wasn’t today’s Baltimore Museum of Art, and it wasn’t the surviving Peale Museum building on Holliday Street. This was the old downtown museum-theater that once stood in the heart of Baltimore’s busiest commercial district, where museum exhibits, performances, storefronts, horses, wagons, and crowds all collided in one noisy city scene.
By the time this photograph was taken, the glory was gone — windows burned out, walls scarred, signs still clinging to the brick like memories. But for a moment, the camera caught old Baltimore standing still: muddy streets, horse-drawn traffic, telegraph poles, and a landmark trying to survive one more chapter.

04/22/2026

Baltimore City Fire History
On this date in Baltimore City Fire Department history. Hose 1 & 2 were placed in service in 1912.

02/20/2026

📣TODAY IN BCFD HISTORY📣

Its our 78th birthday 🎂‼️Throwback to our roots! 📜 Check out this incredible 1948 Certificate of Affiliation from the International Association of Fire Fighters, chartering Baltimore Fire Officers’ Association - IAFF Local L964 on February 20, 1948.

Led by President Lieutenant Grayson R. Standiford (and a powerhouse founding board), our local was officially born just months after the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 amended the Wagner Act—finally allowing supervisors like fire officers to organize and unionize legally. Before that? Fire officers were prohibited from forming unions. This charter marked a game-changer for leadership in Baltimore’s Bravest.

Fast-forward to 1953: The Baltimore Fire Department placed a cutting-edge 2-way radio system in service, with a dedicated shop for installations & repairs set up at Engine 30’s quarters. Better comms = safer streets and smarter responses.

On to 1983: We officially dedicated our new home. Built in 1901, our office headquarters was originally the station of Engine Co. #22 & Truck Co. #17. Having since been disbanded, we opened our new permanent location at 1030 S. Linwood Ave. Presiding over Canton Square, we occupy the space to this day.

Proud of where we came from and the fights we’ve won since day one. In Unitate Fortitudo—Strength in Unity! 💪🔥

02/16/2026

On February 16, 1955, at 21:02 hours, Box 12 was sounded for a fire at the Tru-Fit Clothing Company, 507–509 E. Baltimore Street, at Baltimore Street and Frederick Street in Baltimore.

At approximately 23:00 hours, a catastrophic collapse occurred, trapping several members—including Chief of Department Michael Lotz—and injuring 18 others.

Today, we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty:

• Francis O’Brien, 4th Battalion Chief
• Joseph F. Hanley, Firefighter, detailed to 4th Battalion Aide
• William Barnes, Firefighter, Engine 17
• Anthony N. Reinsfelder, Firefighter, Truck 16
• Rudolph A. Machovec, Firefighter, Engine 15
• Richard F. Melzer, Firefighter, Engine 15

We honor their courage, their service, and their sacrifice. Never forgotten.
Baltimore City Fire Department
Mayor Brandon M. Scott
Councilmember Zeke Cohen

02/09/2026

01/29/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES.... On this day in Baltimore City Fire Department history. In 1974 Battalion Chief 6 relocated from Engine 2 quarters to Engine 35 quarters... GO #1-74... (HM)

01/25/2026

The Baltimore City Fire Department honors and remembers Firefighter/Paramedic Kenneth Lacayo, Lieutenant Paul Butrim, and Lieutenant Kelsey Sadler, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Stricker Street fire in 2022. Their courage and service will never be forgotten. We honor their legacy and remain forever grateful for their dedication to the people of Baltimore.

01/20/2026

From The Archives - Pictured here is Mr. Bob Robert Brown hard at work aboard Car 414. Considered a husband, father and all around great friend. Today, we continue to strive in his memory to make Box 414 the best all around rehab service and curators of the Baltimore City Fire Service.

01/16/2026

ON THIS DAY......
On this day in 1966 Box 414 dedicated the clubs 2nd vehicle known as Car 414. This vehicle was a Chevrolet C60. The unit had a dual tone siren, propane generator, cook top burners, tanks to hold water and other assorted items. Just like today this vehicle and its members proudly provided service to the men and woman of the Baltimore City Fire and Police Departments.
To join, make a donation or for more information please visit our website.
https://box414assoc.com/

01/12/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES. Pictured along Car 414 are members Walt and Marie Lemmon with Joe Freund....

01/09/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES

01/08/2026

LODD. Today we remember Captain Murray L.Byrne of Truck Co. No. 10 who made the ultimate sacrifice at Box #457 on this date in 1937.

Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734
Baltimore Fire Officers IAFF Local 964
Baltimore City Fire Department
Box 414 Association, Inc
Mayor Brandon M. Scott