The museum is named after Félix Luque Plata, a renowned chief who transformed the fire department in the late 19th century.
The building was historically used as a municipal customs office and water storage facility before becoming a museum.
Some exhibits date back to the early 1800s, showcasing the transition from bucket brigades to mechanical pumps.
The museum displays the original silver bell used to alert the city to fire outbreaks during the colonial era.
It houses a comprehensive archive of firefighting medals and personal artifacts belonging to legendary local firefighters.
The Firefighter's Museum (Museo del Bombero Ecuatoriano 'Jefe Félix Luque Plata') is housed within the historic 19th-century colonial building known as 'La Casona' at the base of Cerro Santa Ana. It preserves the legacy of the Guayaquil Fire Department, established as the first of its kind in Ecuador in 1835. The collection features antique horse-drawn steam pumpers, hand-operated manual pumpers from the 19th century, and vintage motorized fire engines. Exhibits detail the evolution of firefighting technology and the department's role in combatting the city's devastating historical fires. Visitors can view historical uniforms, communication equipment, and archival photographs documenting the service's development. The museum serves as an educational space highlighting the humanitarian impact of the institution on the coastal city's survival.
Beside the restored antique steam-powered fire engine parked in the main hall.
Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Cerro Santa Ana staircase for panoramic views.
Check for temporary closures if visiting on public holidays or election days.
Ask the staff about the history of the specific steam-powered pumpers on display.
Do not mistake it for the modern administrative fire station nearby; ensure you are entering the museum space.
Typically closed on Mondays; always check official municipal notices during national holidays.
Respectful behavior is expected; avoid touching the vintage equipment as many items are delicate antiques.
