Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The museum of firefighters in Lyon originated in the fire disaster of the Feyzin refinery in 1966, which caused 18 deaths, including 11 firefighters in Lyon and Vienna. To preserve the memory of this tragic event, Lieutenant-Colonel Pierret, then Chief of Corps, initiated the creation of the museum. Inaugurated in 1971 on the premises of the Duchère, his first objective was to save from the destruction of obsolete vehicles, thanks to a team of enthusiasts, all firefighters and members of the technical services.

Over the decades, the museum was the largest collection of firefighters' vehicles in France, while restoring these historic materials. In 2005, he obtained the label Musée de France by ministerial decree, guaranteeing the sustainability of the collections. Since then, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) has supported its scientific and cultural activities. Today, a team of 5 professionals and 40 volunteers are working to preserve and enhance this unique heritage, organized in three spaces: the evolution of the material, a hall dedicated to 20th century disasters, and a vehicle exhibition.

The museum goes beyond the simple technical retrospective: it highlights the human history of the Lyon firefighters through uniforms, paper archives, photographs and costumes. The two major disasters of the twentieth century, including Feyzin's, are particularly commemorated. The site, located at 358 avenue de Champagne, is recognized for its historical, ethnological and industrial approach, illustrating the evolution of rescue techniques and their impact on society.

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