In 1998 when the fire fighters of MARINGUES celebrated their centenary it was discovered that always historical material was in use, but nobody knows how long this will happen.

That was the occaission for some enthusiastics, that did not know each other, to unite their spirits and energy to achiv the same and sole target: to save historical fire fighter equipement in the county.

With the layout of the association rules the opening project for an association was settled in March 1999.

In April 99 we met the county fire authorities director, to inform him about our project.

In june 99 the first offical meeting was held in the rooms of the CODIS (Centre of Operations). During that meeting the name "LES GARDES POMPES" 5 former name of fire fighters in France) was given to the association. The administration council had been elected and the rules had been approuved by the 10 first members. Finally the association was offically declared at the county council.

October 1999, the first exposition was opend in the townhall of Thiers . It last one week and found his first succes with mor the 1100 visitors.

July 2000, edition of the first association's magazine; This activity allowed us to be known by the totality of the county fire brigades and in many civilian institutions and to inform them about our work.

January 2001 the idea was born to carry out a roundtrip of historic fire engines in the county from fire station to fire station.

Realisation of this round trip under the name of ‘TOUR DES GARDES’.This manifestation happens every year on the weekend destinated to the national fire fighter day.

Some milestones:

• 2000 1st vehicle given to the association (CitroËn Tanker of the Queuille village).
• 2002 exposition at Ambert during one week (1100 visitors).
• 2003 participation in the film stage ‘LES CHORISTES’.
• 2004 1^st présentation of europeen fire engins to the public.
• 2005 1^st participation of a french association in an international fire fighter meeting