The Welsh Museum of Fire is run by the Welsh Area Fire Engine Restoration Society (WAFERS).  We are situated in Neath in South Wales.   The Museum is one of the largest of its type in the UK.  WAFERS also attend events across Wales to raise funding which is used to maintain the Museum and to restore fire engines to their former glory.   Volunteers are always welcome!

Museum of Fire
The Museum holds a vast collection of fire fighting memorabilia throughout history and particularly from the Second World War.  We also have restored fire engines dating from the 1930s onwards.  You can view restoration projects in progress.

The Museum is currently located in the Lonlas Village Workshops in Skewen which is close to Neath, Swansea and the M4 motorway.  We are open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays by prior appointment only.  Entrance is free of charge but donations are much appreciated.  Group bookings and schools are very welcome.

Your tour will be guided by one of our retired firemen volunteers who will be able to tailor the visit to suit your requirements. 

Unfortunately we do not have wheelchair access at present although we are hoping to move to larger, accessible premises.

Photo: An exhibit at the Gwyn Hall, Neath showing a WW2 fire pump and siren

  click to read Welsh text

Charity Events & Talks
We regularly attend parades and events such as carnivals, motor shows and weddings across Wales to raise funds to maintain the Museum and to fund our restoration projects. 

We  bring along some of our restored fire engines and our lucky Mascot Fireman Sam (see photo) often comes along to entertain younger visitors.  We have even been asked by Father Christmas to help with his annual parade through Neath!

We also attend Fire Safety talks in local schools and clubs in conjunction with the Welsh charity Firebreak Wales.

Donations & Volunteers
We are a registered charity and we rely upon grants, donations and funding to keep the Museum open.   We appreciate all donations and if you are interested in our work then you may like to become a member or a volunteer.  Membership costs just £5 per year. We need more volunteers to help to restore, maintain and catalogue the equipment.  All ages and abilities are very welcome.

Our future plans include the building of a purpose built museum. Fund raising towards the cost of this building is underway.  This is an ambitious project but the support offered already gives us encouragement for the future. 

Photo: a restored 1934 Commer Fire Appliance which took 3 years to restore