New Lincolnshire home planned for Museum of RAF Firefighting

The Museum of RAF Firefighting could be set for a new home in the county after it was closed ahead of the Scampton Airshow.

Plans have been submitted for the museum, which was previously based at RAF Scampton, to be moved to Gainsborough.

The proposals would see the contents of the museum and education centre moved from storage to the former Hexadex/Eminox site on North Warren Road.

As previously reported, the museum at RAF Scampton closed in December 2016 after being given formal notice to vacate.

The Museum of RAF Firefighting which could be on its way to Gainsborough

The collection, which includes 49 vehicles and associated larger items such as portable pumps, ladders and extinguishers, was then placed into secure storage, where it currently remains.

As a result, the historic RAF artefacts are now not on display to the public.

Plans would see a formal five year lease created, which can be renewed, for the museum to be based in Gainsborough.

The project will provide a firefighting museum and educational facility that tells the story of the RAF Fire and Rescue Service through a variety of displays incorporating the history of the fire service in general both within the UK and overseas.

It will also aim to raise the profile of the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service and all other aspects of Military Firefighting.

Steve Shirley, founder of the museum, previously said in a statement on the Museum of Firefighting website: “The museum is very grateful to successive Station Commanders for allowing us to have a presence at RAF Scampton for the last 14 years.

“Please understand that the decision to close the museum has not been taken lightly. We were always aware that we were guests of RAF Scampton and as such, service needs must always take priority.

“Please avoid doing anything that could affect the relationship that we have built with RAF Scampton by entering into any form of negative comment towards the station executives and the RAF/MOD as a whole.

“The museum team wish the Scampton Airshow 2017 team the best of luck with the first ever Scampton Airshow and we hope it is successful and continues year on year.”