Fire Brigade Museum Charity Open Day at the Bishop Blaize

14 August 2026

A major wildfire in the New Forest, started by a van fire on the A31 near Ringwood, forced Romsey and Ringwood fire stations to cancel their planned open days. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service faced unprecedented pressure on resources as crews from across the region and beyond battled the blaze, which spread into heathland and affected more than 100 hectares.

The Fire Brigade Museum moved quickly to fill the gap. Director Antony Hurle arranged a mini open day at the Bishop Blaize on Winchester Road, close to the Romsey station. A few of the museum’s vintage fire engines will be on show, alongside activities, a small number of stalls and ice cream. The event is run in support of a 999 charity.

Hurle said the museum wanted to provide something for the public once the stations had to pull out. The Bishop Blaize landlords agreed at short notice, allowing the engines and activities to go ahead near the station rather than leave a complete blank in the local programme.

The museum itself was founded in 2021 by Hurle, a former London Fire Brigade station manager. Its collection of appliances and artefacts covers the history of the British Fire Service from early hand-drawn pumps to later motorised engines. Revenue from events and visits is used to fund private treatment for 999 workers dealing with PTSD and other mental illness, support that is often slow or difficult to obtain through normal routes.

The same work also creates apprenticeships and placements for young people facing confidence or mental health difficulties as they leave secondary education. Volunteers continue restoring vehicles at the museum’s base on the Romsey Industrial Estate while a longer-term permanent home is sought.

Open days of this kind put the restored engines in front of local people and convert interest into practical help for those still serving. When stations are stretched by major incidents such as the New Forest wildfire, the museum’s ability to step in keeps both the heritage and the charitable purpose visible.

Open Day at The Bishop Blaze on Winchester Road - 10 am - 4pm - Saturday 15 August 2026