The fire boat Pyronaut is a unique reminder of the days when
Bristol's City Docks were a thriving trade centre. Pyronaut was a
crucial part of the docks' fire-fighting service for about 40
years.
Built in Bristol in 1934, Pyronaut (originally named Phoenix II)
worked from the Prince Street Bridge river police station. She had
a crew of three firemen, including an engineer who was based in the
engine room.
In 1940, Pyronaut was faced with her most challenging
fire-fighting period, as the air raids of the Bristol blitz damaged
and destroyed countless warehouses, factories, shops and homes
around the Floating Harbour. During this time, she was constantly
manned and worked through some of the worst raids of the war.
However by the late Sixties, Pyronaut's equipment had become
worn out and obsolete and in 1973 she was put up for sale. She
eventually came to Bristol Museums, who restored her completely.
She can now be seen at Princes Wharf in front of M Shed and in full
water-spraying action at events in the Harbour.