Napier Fire Brigade Proudly Celebrates 150 Years

Event Details

Fire is a great friend, but can be a terrible enemy...

Prior to 1876, the township of Ahuriri/Napier was plagued with deadly fires, caused by a combination of naked flames and flimsy wooden buildings. Concerned locals continuously agitated for an organised fire brigade and facilities until, on the 10 October 1876, the Napier Voluntary Fire Brigade was established. This was followed two years later, by the formation of the Spit Volunteer Fire Brigade to protect the Port Ahuriri area.

The first Napier fire station stood in front of the Masonic Hotel on Marine Parade, followed in 1893 by a bigger station, built in Hershell Street. As Napier’s population grew, a larger more modern fire station was required. Designed by architect Louis Hay, the building, located in Tennyson Street, was opened in 1928. Forty years later the brigade vacated this building for its current modern station in Taradale Road, Marewa.

This month, Napier Fire Brigade proudly celebrates 150 years of “protecting and preserving” the lives of Te Matau-a-Māui/Hawke’s Bay people, by “reducing the incidence of unwanted fires and the associated risk to life and property”. Napier’s vigilant firefighters provide invaluable support in a myriad of different circumstances.

In 1881, local merchants Neal and Close presented a beautiful trophy casket, which was won by the Napier Fire Brigade in 1886 and the Spit Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1887 and 1888.

View the casket on display in the museum foyer from 10 October until 15 November 2026.


Images:
Trophy casket, 1881, gifted by Spit Fire Brigade, Ahuriri. 69/295
Napier Volunteer Fire Brigade with their Shand Mason steam fire engine, 1890. photographer, Charles Sorrell, Napier, gifted by Spit Volunteer Fire Brigade, Napier (99534)