The Mese Fire Brigade Detachement, carrying on the Chiavenna Fire Brigade tradition, was founded in 1868 from Chiavenna Municipality as the Civic Fire Brigade. It exhibits some fire brigade remains in the Mese headquarters since October 2002.
The available items have been reorganized in chronological order to give visitors the idea of the technical evolution of fire fighting and first aid equipment in the first half of ´900.
Among the dislayed items there is the "MERA 3" hand pump, complete with fire engine, used by the Chiavenna Fire Brigade from 1883 to the second post-World War, luckily found in 1989 during a fire in a farm. Besides some accessories and uniforms, there is the parade helmet belonged to the Chiavenna Civical Fire Brigade (1889).
A typical peripheral quarter has also been prepared as it would have been in Chiavenna around the end of the Thirties in order to evoke the atmosphere of the period. To complete the Historical Gallery documents, pictures and relics have been given from the local population. Promoters founded the "Valchiavenna Fire Brigade Historical Group", composed of firemen on duty ,retired firemen and sympathizers in order to organize the museum and to go on with the research and restoration of historical fire means. In addition, they organized two unique collections: 250 period postcards about fire theme from the end of ´800 to 1950 (one of the most interesting in Italy) and the 70 scale 1:14 models of the most important fire fighting means of transport (probably the only one in Europe).
At the moment a new room has been prepared, where the simulation of an accident and a collapse, set in the Sixties, is represented with its suited aid equipment.
OPENING HOURS 2024
May - October
Saturday: 15 -18
PRICES
Full ticket: €2.00
Free admission:
- Disabled person and companion
Possibility of extraordinary openings by reservation only, to be made within 7 days before the visit. Min. 10 participating adults.
