382. Fire On The Water

Pyronaut is a specialised fire boat built in 1934 for use at Bristol Docks in the 200 years old Floating Harbour. It was able to fight ship and warehouse fires on the wharf side, aiding land borne appliances and was used extensively during the Bristol Blitz.
She saw 40 years of service before being retired and was then sold on twice, before being sold again in 1989 to Bristol City Museum, where it was restored and put on display at Princes Wharf, where the M Shed Museum is located, named after its original warehouse designation.
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[@MrOVERANOUT]

A very interesting vlog Alan, particularly for me. During my Fire Service career I attended courses at the Fire Service College in Moreton in Marsh.
It was there we were taught about ship fires, something we didn't come across in land locked West Yorkshire. I can remember the most important thing when fighting fires on a ship is the use of an inclanometer which indicated the list of the ship. This, plus the draft and cargo were all important to avoid capsizing the boat when spraying it with water cannon.
We were also taken on visits to Bristol Docks where we got to look around a Banana boat and a boat from Germany. The contrast was immense. You could eat off the engine room floor of the German vessel. We also went to Gloucester docks which no doubt you will have visited as canal boats often go there.
Thank you Alan for showing us this unusual subject.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Harry. I'm pleased you enjoyed this episode, as I like to give variety. Thanks for your detailed comment, interesting to know a little about fighting ship fires. You're right I have visited Gloucester Docks and done a short trip boat cruise from there. All the best.

[@Rovinman]

Absolutely fascinating, Alan !
Always nice to hear about these "SPECIAL"" boats, and their special History !
In the early 70's , I was able to travel on ""Perseverance"" {NOT Minimalist's boat !}, This was a converted Refuse Tug, {towing the Barges in the Paddington basin London}, which a local school had bought and was using it for the Children on the Lea and Stort Navigation canal !
We borrowed it and had 2 weeks excellent holiday trying to get to Coventry up the Grand Union !
I have always wondered what happened to it after it was sold by the school !
Maybe another investigation for you ?
All the best, Stay safe !
Stu xx

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Stu. Glad you enjoyed watching. That sounds like a very interesting trip you went on. Let’s hope the tug made it into preservation. All the best, take care.

[@stevehoare6378]

Evening Alan, that's truly a majestic sight isn't it, when she's fully pumping water, really impressive. I had no idea the July event took place...it's not far from us so definitely something to look out for. Many thanks for sharing, fascinating stuff as always...cheers..🍷🍷

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Evening Steve, it's a great event to attend, as apart from the water borne entertainment and chance to ride on some historic boats, the Bristol Harbour Railway usually runs and there's live music and lots of foody/craft stalls. I think the steam crane on the wharf is sometimes demonstrated, wouldn't know now if it's still in use. Cheers 🥂

[@SueC-oj6zv]

Thanks Alan, that’s was really interesting. I didn’t know where ‘ship shape and Bristol fashion’ came from. You learn something new every day, don’t you 😂🤙. Look forward to the next vlog, Sue 😊x

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I'm glad you enjoyed watching Sue and understood my explanation of the term 'ship shape and Bristol fashion'. All the best, take care x

[@andytrewin]

Well done Alan ~ My Grandfather was Capt. Trewin Harbourmaster for Bristol for many years until retirement. as such I grew up around Bristol docks and have very fond memories, especially learning to ride my bicycle in his garden ~ this was called Clock House and was at the entrance to the docks. Sadly it was demolished to make way for the Cumberland Road Flyover. Happy memories. Thanks again AndyT.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Andy, I'm glad it brought back some fond memories for you, interesting to hear about your grandfather. I would like to have seen a boat going through the lock into Cumberland Basin, and the bridges swung. Cheers

[@williampalmer4427]

A Fun Watch and a Very Interesting & Unique History . . . Well Done! . . . Thanks, Alan! . . . now for some hot tea . . . Bill

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I'm pleased you enjoyed it Bill and hope you enjoyed your cuppa, as much, afterwards. Cheers

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thankyou Alan, most interesting video.
Must visit the festival in July, looks an amazing event. 😊

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Sheila, it’s well worth a visit, so much going on there, and you can ride on some of the boats for a small charge. I have been on Pyronaut but didn’t have access to my footage 🤠

[@andy_nye]

Very interesting Alan ,, I had the privilege of going on the Massey Shaw at London ages ago for my work... the engineering on it was mind blowing ,,, keep up the great work matey .

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Andy, that must have been a real treat. I’ve been on Pyronaut but didn’t have access to my footage at the time I made the video. Cheers

[@brodie2711]

Very interesting video. Thank you, Alan. All the best. Stephen

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Stephen, hope all well, take care.

[@sandyprosser805]

Another interesting vlog Alan , we do not realise we have so much history attached to our local area. Great commentary as well. Have great week.😊

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Sandy, very kind of you to say but not so popular with many viewers. Enjoy your weekend 🤠

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Alan for this footage of this very interesting story of this historical fire float. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Glad you enjoyed it Stevie, thanks for commenting.

[@chriswest1996]

Neat! And looks like it's very maneuverable.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I think it can spin on its axis.

[@hollysmothers3902]

Wow! What an interesting post. Thanks for the most informative narration.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That's very kind of you to say Holly, I'm pleased you found it of interest.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on channel cranking it on cut and vid you put up cool boat like the vid you put up thanks lee

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Lee, kind of you to say. Hope you’re keeping well.

[@colinhead5996]

interesting vlog Alan thank you

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Colin 🤠

[@christopherbutler7588]

So very interesting thank you 😊

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Glad you enjoyed it Christopher👍

[@hughcarson6837]

Well done Alan, very interesting vlog

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Hugh, much appreciated.

[@colin125gwr]

thank you

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Cheers👍