It started here

Our origin story: It started here

Scotland is home to a Series of Firsts in firefighting history and many notable events. Take a scroll through our timeline to read about some of our highlights, and find out how the first Municipal Fire Service – in the world, started here- in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Our Journey Begins…

Sketch of James Braidwood © Museum of Scottish Heritage 2022

James Braidwood, Edinburgh’s first Fire Master

Did you know the world’s first public and local authority funded Fire Service was established in the city of Edinburgh in 1824?

James Braidwood was the City’s first Fire Master and he developed lots of new and innovative techniques to improve firefighting at the time. Braidwood was responsible for the first PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) given to firefighters in Edinburgh (a helmet with protection for the back of the neck) and ensured firefighters maintained a strict fitness regime to stay in tip top shape! Learn all about his life as Edinburgh’s first Fire Master and his lasting impact on firefighting procedures and culture.

216

age of our oldest fire appliance

25

years is the average lifespan of a fire hose

207

Home appliance fires in 2021

1567

vehicles in the SFRS Fleet

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