This Sunday, October 4, 2026, the Fire Museum of Memphis will host the Memphis Fire Department's annual memorial service. This ceremony recognizes the 59 Memphis firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty. It is open to the public. We invite you to join us and support the families of the fallen. A reception will follow in the banquet hall on the second floor of the Snowden building. Also, the Fire Museum Gift Shop will be open with several new items available for purchase. Thank you for helping support the Fire Museum of Memphis.
August 5, 1974. Fire broke out at 5246 Raleigh-LaGrange Road, site of an apartment complex under construction called English Village. It was in rural Shelby County, right at the Memphis city limits. Fire Protection, at the time, was provided by the Bartlett Fire Department. Bartlett responded with Engine 3, Engine 4 (brush truck) and Chief Shaw Stuart. While enroute to the fire, Bartlett Assistant Chief Richard Adelman notified the dispatcher to request mutual aid from Memphis. Engine 48 and Truck 22 were located just down the street from the complex. Before Engine 3 arrived on the scene, additional calls for mutual aid were made to the Shelby County, Germantown, Ellendale, and the Shelby County Penal Farm fire departments. The fire burned out of control for hours. Memphis FD ended up sending 6 pumpers, 1 Truck, Fire Squad 7, Hose Tender 2, and several chief officers. The black & white photos were taken by Private Richard B. Arwood of the MFD Research & Development Section