State Fire and Rescue Service - Fire Fighting Museum

The Fire Fighting Museum is located in Riga, Hanzas str. 5. Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) building was designed by the Riga city main architect Reinhold Schmeling Baltic German roots academician (1840.-1917) and built in 1912. Building has crowned by prior watch and hoses drying turret with baroque stylized steeple. Building of Museum is local importance architectural monument.

From 1912 until 1944 Unit of Riga City Fire Fighters Division was located in this building. It is rebuilt several times by 1978 when it gotten today's layout. Greatest part of this building is occupied by the Fire Fighting Museum and smallest part by the State Fire and Rescue Service structural units.

In first floor visitor of museum are introduced in history of Latvian fire fighting services from 1865 until 1940. Fire technique (hand and steam pumps, engine pumps, fire vehicle "Chevrolet-Sux" of 1930 production, etc.) are exhibited in two wide rooms.

Fire fighters helmets, tools, uniforms, fire alarm devices, hoses, nozzles, award symbols, medals, photos, documents and other objects are exhibited in showcases and panels. In museum special place provided for flags - symbol and identification mark of numerous voluntary fire fighters.

In second floor exhibited recent history of the State Fire and Rescue Service. Visitors can familiarize with data about reasons of fires and damages rose by its, get insight on today's fire fighting techniques.

Unlike to other museums the specific of the Latvian Fire Fighting Museum has important role in education of young generation in the area of health and life protection. In exhibition children's can adopt basic knowledge about the fire safety regulations, on behaviour in case of fire, how to protect themselves and others in extreme situations.