Columbia Fire Museum, Columbia

Tucked inside the headquarters of the Columbia Fire Department on Laurel Street, the Columbia Fire Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into over two centuries of firefighting history in South Carolina’s capital city. Open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends by appointment, the museum welcomes visitors free of charge.

Established in October 1996, shortly after the fire department’s headquarters relocated to this site, the museum is housed within an active fire station-home to the largest fire department in the state, with over 550 personnel and 31 stations serving a population of more than 350,000.

The museum’s collection chronicles the evolution of fire protection in Columbia, beginning with the city’s incorporation in 1787 and the shift from a volunteer-based fire system to a career department in 1903. That year, William J. May was appointed the first Fire Chief, forming a new force of forty men from four disbanded volunteer companies. This turning point in the city’s firefighting history is captured in the museum’s compelling exhibits.

Visitors can explore an impressive array of historic artifacts, equipment, uniforms, and photographs-some dating back to the early 1800s. Highlights include a beautifully preserved 1929 American LaFrance fire engine and a 1903 horse-drawn steamer, two milestones in the evolution of fire apparatus. The museum also features interactive exhibits and stories spotlighting the contributions of African American firefighters and the department’s integration.

Located within the Robert Mills District-a historic area the fire department still actively protects-the Columbia Fire Museum is more than a tribute to the past. It’s a space that celebrates the bravery, innovation, and service of Columbia’s firefighters while educating the public on fire safety and the growth of firefighting as a profession.