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Toronto Fire Historical Society

Guardians of Toronto's Fire Service History

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We Continue To Document More Items Each Day

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From 1802 until the Present Day

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VIEW OUR ARTIFACTS & DOCUMENTS

Eberline Geiger Counter-1950s

1910's - One of the First Badges Issued by Toronto Fire Department

Present Day Toronto Fire Services Patch

The SS Noronic Fire - September 1949

Toronto Fire Dept Book - Grain and Storage Fire 1902

Support the Historical Society by purchasing a challenge coin to add to your collection!

The Orient Trader Fire - July 21st, 1965 (3rd Alarm)

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tofirehistory

Guardians of Fire Service History. Share your Toronto Fire History with us at info@torontofirehistory.com
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A 5-ALARM BLAZE IN THE HEART OF THE EX Rewind to

A 5-ALARM BLAZE IN THE HEART OF THE EX
Rewind to August 25, 1987. Right in the middle of the bustling Canadian National Exhibition, a massive five-alarm fire tore through the historic Music Building at Exhibition Place.
Here is what went down in one of the Ex’s most dramatic days:

The blaze completely gutted the interior of the landmark building, causing an estimated $1 million in damage. Thankfully, there were zero injuries, though fire officials heavily suspected arson.

Originally built in 1907 as the Railways Building, its unique three-domed octagonal design (crafted by architect George W. Gouinlock) made it a CNE icon. However, by 1985, it had fallen into disrepair and was closed to the public.

The fire almost spelled the end. The charred remains were slated for the wrecking ball, but the Toronto Historical Board and passionate locals refused to let it go in ashes. After a massive public fundraising campaign and government grants, City Council approved a full restoration in 1989.
Today, the Music Building still stands proudly on the CNE grounds—a beautiful survivor of Toronto’s architectural and fire history.

👇 Were you at the CNE in the summer of ‘87? Share your memories below!
#TorontoFireHistory #TOFire #TorontoHistory #CNE #LetGoToTheEx ExhibitionPlace FirefightingHistory HeritageToronto HistoricToronto TorontoArchitecture OnThisDayTO

New! Heritage Forest Hill Fire Department shirts.

New! Heritage Forest Hill Fire Department shirts. Celebrating one of the last independent Villages to be annexed by the City of Toronto in January 1, 1967. The Village of Forest Hill was incorporated in 1923 and ran their town hall, fire department and police department out of 641 Eglinton Ave. Celebrate an original Metro Toronto Fire Department with this Heritage Tee series shirt!
#foresthill #villageofforesthill #oldtoronto #foresthillbia

What a great day to be able to feature our 1939 Bi

What a great day to be able to feature our 1939 Bickle Seagrave Village of Swansea Fire Department antique truck as part of @swansea_history’s celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Village of Swansea. Amazing opportunity to participate with another historical group to share history of our communities.

#villageofswansea #villageofswansea100 #swanseafiredepartment #swanseafire #torontofire

For the first time in over 50 years. This origina

For the first time in over 50 years. This original Swansea FD pumper is home. Avaliable to view tomorrow June 13th from 10-4 for the villages 100th anniversary.
@swanseatownhall @swansea_history

Thank you to @toronto_firefighters for our award l

Thank you to @toronto_firefighters for our award last night. Truly honored.

We are in need of the above volunteer positions.

We are in need of the above volunteer positions. If you think you can help us out please email info@torontofirehistory.com

We own 5 apparatus that all need work. Two need the brakes done ASAP to get out on the road this summer.

Now available! Collector sticker pack. High qual

Now available! Collector sticker pack. High quality stickers that are perfect for laptops, water bottles and more. Thick, durable vinyl protects the sticker from scratches, water and sunlight!
Order your set today!

https://torontofirehistory.square.site

#tfhsswag #torontofirehistoryswag #torontofirehistorystickers

On February 11, 1948, Toronto witnessed its most d

On February 11, 1948, Toronto witnessed its most dangerous inferno since the Great Fire of 1904. A massive fourth-alarm fire erupted at the British American Oil Company refinery on Keating Street, threatening to destroy the city’s waterfront with exploding tanks of naphtha and alcohol.
300 firefighters battled the blaze for 12 gruelling hours in freezing temperatures, wet snow, and blinding smoke. The heat was so intense it melted 1,000 feet of fire hose, leaving only the metal couplings behind. Led by Deputy Chief Albert Steen, crews managed to save the critical fuel tanks and avert a total catastrophe.
While the fire caused $375,499 in damages (a fortune in 1948), miraculous work by the department meant there was zero loss of life, though six firefighters were injured in the fight.
This event highlighted the true grit of the Toronto Fire Department, reminding the public that the job is incredibly dangerous.
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🗄️ torontofirehistorical archives

#TorontoHistory #OnThisDay #FirefighterHistory #torontofire #torontofirehistory torontofiredepartment cityoftoronto oilrefineryfire Heroism 1948 VintageToronto FireSafety FirstResponders CanadianHistory

Now available for pre-order! A new design inspired

Now available for pre-order! A new design inspired by the nostalgic look of the pre-amalgamation Toronto Fire Department. The navy Gildan 64000 SoftStyle tee is screen printed with a simple retro TFD design. The ‘half moon’ shoulder patch is on the front left chest, and TFD fleet lettering is boldly emblazoned across the back. ***THIS IS A PRE-ORDER ITEM, SHIPPING MID MARCH*** go to; TORONTOFIREHISTORY.SQUARE.SITE

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A Special Thanks To Toronto Fire Services, and The Toronto Professional Firefighters Association For Their Continued Support