A comprehensive archive collection is being continually added to. This includes fire station log books, documents, reports, catalogues and technical publications, scrapbooks, magazines and journals, as well as many thousands of photographical images, pictures, films and sound recordings.
For research access to this collection, see Visitor Information: Researchers on the website,
The Museum’s image library includes the complete collection of the former Manchester City Fire Brigade, Bolton Fire Brigade, Rochdale Fire Brigade and the earlier years of Greater Manchester Fire Service, as well as the whole fire and emergency collection of the late freelance photographer, Clifford C. Ashton, which itself represents many thousands of images of fires, accidents and fire brigade subjects across the North West of England.
The collection is only partially digitised and so is not available to view online at this time, nor does the Museum have facilities to supply photographic copies of images. We will, however, always do our utmost to assist visitors and researchers with specific requests. Whilst we are willing to assist with any broadcast or publishing requests, dependant on copyright issues, please be aware the Museum does not generally release image material for third party website use.
The Museum is currently working on a project to build up an oral history sound archive. Staff are interviewing former fire service personnel to record their unique stories for posterity. Further information on available sound recordings will be posted when available.
