Over the weekend of 22nd and 23rd June 2024, M Shed Museum hosted a 90th birthday for its veteran fire-float, PYRONAUT.
Pyronaut (originally Bristol Phoenix II) is a specialised form of fireboat known as a fire-float. It was built in 1934 by Charles Hill & Sons Ltd., Albion Dock Bristol, Yard No. 208. Registered number 333833.
In 1938, it was discovered that a second vessel named Phoenix appeared on the Bristol Ship Register, and, because this is not permitted, the fire-float was renamed Pyronaut (a name thought up by the teenage son of the Chairman of the Watch Committee).
Early in 1939 several small fires at various places in the City Docks preceded a major fire at the Cumberland Road premises of the Anglo-American Asphalt Co. In the following year, Pyronaut embarked upon her busiest period, as the air raids of the Bristol Blitz damaged and destroyed countless warehouses, factories, shops and homes around the Floating Harbour. Operating alongside two motor-launches fitted with fire-fighting equipment, Pyronaut was constantly manned and working through the worst raids of the war.
Pyronaut continued to work until 1973. After several conversions and owners, she was restored to her working condition by Bristol Industrial Museum in 1994.
She performs displays during major harbour events as well as operating for trips on some summer weekends. In June 2012 she travelled to London by road to take part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant.
The latest overhaul has seen major repairs to the ribs, rivets and keel plate, completed just in time for the old firefighter to celebrate her birthday!
*amendment - DHY 496 was built in 1937, not 1936. Apologies for the mistake!
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11 сен 2024
