Musée du sapeur-pompier d'Alsace, Firefighting museum in Vieux-Ferrette, France.
The Musée du sapeur-pompier d'Alsace is housed in two connected buildings displaying firefighting equipment spanning from the 17th century onward. Visitors can see hand-operated pumps, steam-powered vehicles, ladders, and other tools that show how fire brigades worked and equipped themselves over time.
The collection was originally displayed elsewhere before moving to its current location in the early 2010s. This relocation allowed the entire firefighting heritage to be presented together in a dedicated space.
The collection reflects how firefighting became an organized profession in France and how communities valued emergency response. Uniforms, hand-pumps, and vehicles on display show how local fire brigades developed and served their regions.
The museum is located in a small village and is best reached by car, as public transportation options are limited. It's helpful to check opening hours beforehand, as they can vary by season.
One standout feature is a reconstructed telephone switchboard from an old fire station, showing how emergency calls and dispatch worked before modern communication systems. This piece captures an important part of firefighting operations that few visitors expect to see.
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