In 1964, a group of four Sydney based railway and transport enthusiasts decided to establish a narrow gauge steam railway at Mittagong. The group began to collect equipment for use in constructing the railway and as ongoing displays. It was decided to investigate the purchase of a fire engine to pump water to the steamers, which by this time included various steam trucks, rollers, traction engines and portable engines.

On beginning to look for a suitable old fire engine, Brian Blunt discovered an amazing collection of pre WWII vehicles still in use by the NSW Fire Brigades. After first tendering unsuccessfully for a Garford in 1966, Brian and Bob Winch successfully tendered for a Dennis Big 4 in October 1968. At around the same time Bob Winch joined the Brigades and commenced training.

Brian Blunt was a member of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Association (HCVA), and registered the Dennis with them. He met up with Gilbert Ashby and Ross Murray, vintage vehicle enthusiasts who had recently purchased Dennis 250s. By early 1969, the growing group of fire engine owners had considered forming a new group to cater specifically for fire engines.

On Thursday March 13th, 1969, a meeting was held at Turramurra and the Historic Fire Engine Association was formed. The founding active members were Brian Nebenzahl (President), Ron Franklin (Vice President), Barrie Gillings (Secretary/Treasurer), Brian Blunt (Registrar), Gilbert Ashby, George Green, Ron Healey, Robert McCarthy, Ross Murray, Laurie Stewart and Bob Winch. Members owned about fifteen fire engines.

After being granted permission to issue club registration plates, the first rally was conducted on February 1st, 1970. Fourteen vehicles attended the Art Gallery of NSW. A second rally to Bobbin Head in July 1970 allowed a bit of live pumping.

From June 1970 regular bi-monthly meetings were held at Headquarters Fire Station. In March 1973, the first Flyer & Salvage magazine was published, and circulated to around eighty members, including the Victorian sub-branch.

In February 1976, the Board of Fire Commissioners announced the establishment of a Museum at the new Training College at Alexandria. The Historic Fire Engine Association was invited to run the Museum. By May 1976, there were over 100 vehicles on the Vehicle Register. The HFEA subsequently ran the Fire Service Museum at three locations in Sydney, before its rebirth as the Museum of Fire at Penrith. This new museum was independently run and allowed the HFEA to refocus on the interests of private owners.

HFEA membership has continued at over eighty, and social activities are now held frequently for the benefit of members. Today’s HFEA members own around one hundred appliances plus a large collection of other fire fighting equipment.