The History of Our Service

The Fire and Rescue Service in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight has a rich and proud history dating back to when individual cities, towns and parishes operated their own independent ‘Fire Brigades’

Retired Deputy Chief Fire Officer Alan House is the volunteer historian and archivist for the Service and can be contacted directly for any historic enquiries.

Many research enquiries can be assisted by the information found on our heritage site.

Heritage Collection

The Police and Fire Heritage Collection is displayed within the Solent Sky museum in Southampton. This independent museum welcomes visitors seven days a week, to experience a wide range of interesting and unique exhibits.

Bronzes Statues and ‘Final Salute’ Memorial

At the front of the Headquarters site in Leigh Road, Eastleigh are four life-size statues in bronze, depicting the Victorian period, the World War 2 years, the 1970s and 1998 – the 50th anniversary of having a county-wide fire service. Added to these is the ‘Final Salute’ memorial unveiled in 2010 and dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the course of their duties in the county of Hampshire.

Past Members Association

Aims and Objectives

• Promoting and maintaining the social inclusion of Association members with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
• Promoting and maintaining contact amongst past members.
• Promoting the health and welfare of members and their spouses or partners

For more information visit https://xhfrs.org