Free Firefighter Experiences for Kids

Fire Drill!

Take a ride to your local fire station to see some cool fire engines and learn some hot facts about the history of firefighting in metro Atlanta. Most stations are happy to show visitors around, but always call before you go. Here are three stations that house fire history.

Marietta Fire Station Museum

Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. by appointment only.
This two-story museum is home to a horse-drawn pumper, a restored 1879 Silsby Steamer, one of only five in existence. Visitors can also view a 1949 Pirsch Ladder Truck, originally one of the longest reaching ladders in North Georgia. It was last used during the United Plastics fire (Nov. 1, 1981). The fire museum also has antique clothing and  equipment, a “Wall of Flame” photo wall and other vintage fire trucks. 112 Haynes St., Marietta.

Roswell Fire Museum

Daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Based in Roswell Fire Station 1, this museum is filled with historic pictures. One such photo is of Atlanta’s Great Fire (May 21, 1917), which destroyed 73 blocks just east of downtown. The museum’s main draw is a 1947 Form American LaFrance Pumper. The city occasionally removes this piece from the museum for maintenance. Note: The museum closes when station personnel leave to respond to emergency calls. 1002 Alpharetta St., Roswell.

Fire Station No. 6 Museum

Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (hours subject to volunteer availability).
This fire station, built in 1894, served the Sweet Auburn community of Atlanta for 97 years. It played an integral role in desegregation of the Atlanta Fire Department in 1963. Managed by the National Park Service, this retired station reopened in 1996 as a museum and proudly displays a 1927 LaFrance fire engine. The museum is also home to the Eastern National Bookstore, which carries over 200 titles that emphasize African-American history. Boulevard at Auburn Ave., Atlanta.