About

The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati highlights the significant contributions that Cincinnati has made to the firefighting profession. Its mission is to bring the traditions of firefighting to life – in a museum that helps save lives. In 1906, the building that now houses the museum was home to the Engine Company #45 Firehouse, and it is now included in the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1853, Cincinnati established the first full-time, paid, professional fire department. This fire department used steam fire engines pulled by horses. Then, Cincinnati inventors Able Shawk and Alexander Latta created "Uncle Joe Ross," the first practical steam fire pumper. Cincinnati became famous throughout the world for its design, development and manufacturing of firefighting apparatus.