An array of historical vehicles, an extensive collection of photographs, display cases with communication devices, notifications and audiovisuals about major fires which have shaped the history of Barcelona were all on display for former councillors to see yesterday, when the Associació Consell de Cent visited the exhibition “Protecting Barcelona. Firefighters and fire prevention, 1833-2022”.

The exhibition, on at the MUHBA Oliva Artés until 30 June, explains how fire prevention measures have been applied in the city from when the Barcelona Fire Service was created, in 1833, through until the present day.

Demographic changes, urban growth, industrialisation and social crises have shaped prevention action throughout history. The fires declared in Barcelona over the years have reflected what point fire prevention was at in each period.

The exhibition also highlights the key role of prevention, which is just as important as extinction and rescue, within the daily tasks carried out by the Barcelona Fire Service to prevent fires.

The Associació Consell de Cent is made up of over a hundred members who were formerly Barcelona councillors, dating back to 1979. Its aim is to collaborate with government bodies from Barcelona City Council and drive knowledge in the city.