The Pyronaut

One of Bristol's most famous, historic and heroic vessels. The story of the Pryonaut is an incredible one! Originally named Bristol Phoenix II it was built in 1934 by Charles Hill & Sons, in Bristol's Albion Dock. As a fire-float, she served the purpose of fighting fires that broke out in and around the docks. 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. Post-war, she lived an interesting life, moving from collection to collection, but in 1995 the Bristol Industrial Museum restored and renovated her back to her former glory! She is always on the water at the Harbour Festival, showing off what she does best!