After back-to-back monsoon storms sent floodwater pouring through its galleries, the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix says it's fully repaired. The nonprofit museum, located near Priest Drive and Van Buren Street across from the Phoenix Zoo, reported that its damaged buildings, galleries and portions of the gift shop have all been restored, with an improved drainage system now installed outside the building.
The trouble started on September 26, 2025, when the first of two storms and accompanying groundwater runoff struck east Phoenix, according to KTAR News 92.3 FM. A second storm hit less than three weeks later, on October 13, and each storm dumped about four inches of rain in under 90 minutes, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized to benefit the National Historical Fire Foundation, which operates the museum.
The flooding tore through more than just walls and carpet. Floodwaters breached the museum's Hall of Heroes exhibit, which honors American firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1800, as well as its 9/11 exhibit, per KTAR. The museum's own account of the damage described impacts to drywall, displays, carpets, ceilings and outside areas of the property, the fundraiser states.
A Six-Figure Repair Bill
Fixing the damage wasn't cheap. The museum estimated it needed to invest more than $100,000 in structural repairs to reduce the risk of another flood causing the same kind of destruction, according to the same GoFundMe page. The proposed work included regrading low areas outside the building, trenching to install drainage, and constructing walls to hold back water, along with excavation to waterproof the facility.
Community donations helped make the restoration possible, KTAR reported, with the GoFundMe campaign bringing in more than $40,000 toward the effort. The museum reportedly remained open during the cleanup and repairs, continuing to welcome visitors even as crews worked to fix the damage described in the fundraiser.
A Phoenix Institution Since 1961
The Hall of Flame Museum has operated as a private nonprofit since it was founded in 1961, preserving the history and traditions of firefighting while also offering educational and outreach programs on fire safety and prevention, per KTAR's reporting. Local Valley media outlets covered the flood damage as it unfolded last fall, documenting a story that has now, according to the museum's account, reached a repaired conclusion.
Visitors can find the museum at 6101 East Van Buren Street, across the street from the Phoenix Zoo, according to the Hall of Flame Museum's visitor information. The museum can be reached at 602-275-3473 for those looking to plan a trip through its restored galleries.
