Chief McRae
This section is forever dedicated to the hard work and perseverance of Chief Max McRae.

Houston Fire Museum

2403 Milam Street

Houston, Texas 77006

Phone: (713) 524-2526

Google Map Link

Early Fire Companies

Compiled by Retired Chief Max McRae

This section traces the history of the ten original volunteer fire companies, some of which have had uninterrupted service up to today's fire companies; as well as the fire companies of other cities and towns that were annexed and became fire companies of the Houston Fire Department prior to World War II.

We are in the middle of redesigning this section of the web site. The following companies listed below will become active to browse in the next few weeks. Thank you for your continued patience.

Houston Volunteer Fire Companies:

Protection No. 1 - First Organized: 1838

Hook & Ladder No. 1 - First Organized: 1858

Liberty No. 2 - First Organized: 1852

Stonewall No. 3 - First Organized: 1867

Fire Company No. 4 - First Organized: 1872

Brooks No. 5 - First Organized: 1867

Mechanic No. 6 - First Organized: 1867

Eagle/Young American No. 7 - First Organized: 1874

Washington No. 8 - First Organized: 1894

Curtain No. 9 - First Organized: 1879

Seibert No. 10 - First Organized: 1867

Annexed Fire Companies:

Brunner (HFD No. 11) - Annexed: 1913

Houston Heights (HFD No. 13) - Annexed: 1918

Houston Heights (HFD No. 14) - Annexed: 1918

Harrisburg (HFD No. 20) - Annexed: 1926

Harrisburg (HFD No. 22) - Annexed: 1926

Park Place (HFD No. 26) - Annexed: 1930

The Houston Fire Museum, Inc. is a 501-C- 3 non-profit organization educating the community on fire and life safety and the history of the fire service. The Museum is supported by membership, gift shop sales and the generous contributions of foundations and corporations.