Our History
The MFB is one of the Melbourne’s oldest organisations.
The first known volunteer fire brigade operated in Melbourne in 1845. In 1890, the first fire brigade act was introduced – leading to the establishment of the Melbourne Fire Brigade (MFB) in 1891. In 1893, the Eastern Hill fire station opened and today it is the MFB’s headquarters.
MFB badge
The MFB’s earliest badge contained the design of the shield of the Council of the Town of Melbourne (today known as the City of Melbourne). The brigade’s corporate seal depicts a crown and cross representing allegiance to Great Britain; a bull, fleece and whale – the chief exports of the day – and unlike the town’s seal, a steam pumper rather than a sailing ship, depicting the brigade’s mode of transport.
Today, the MFB’s badge (right) features a flaming torch and crossed axes. The badge also incorporates the original shield.
Life under the Bells by Sally Wilde documents the history of the MFB and is available from the Fire Services Museum, located at:
39 Gisborne St,
East Melbourne 3002
(03) 9662 2907
For a more in-depth look at the history of the MFB please click on the link below:
Download
MFB History (49.59 kb)