HIS first major experience with the destructive force of fire was watching helplessly as his father's cabinet-making business in the Scottish capital was razed to the ground.

Prompted to act by the devastation caused by this and other blazes in Edinburgh in the early 19th century, James Braidwood started the first municipal fire brigade in the world.

The Fire Museum in the city's Lauriston Place tells this story and is also custodian of a unique collection of artefacts related to the history of the service.

But the future of the museum that tells the compelling story of the decorated hero who became known as the father of the fire brigade is now in doubt.

The home of the Braidwood memorial collection, established in the 1960s, is under threat following the merger of the country's fire services and moves to make savings at the new single service .

The last report by the former Lothian and Borders service called for the Fire Museum to be kept, but the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) – which has its headquarters in Perth – could give no firm guarantee over its long-term future.

The SFRS will be looking to make savings where possible and the sale of buildings is being considered.

A spokeswoman for the SFRS said it valued the history and traditions of the country's fire and rescue services. She said the single service will continue to protect that legacy for future generations "to see the development and evolution of the service over the years".

The museum tells the story of Braidwood's life from when he set up the Edinburgh Fire Service – the forerunner of the modern service – in 1824 to when he established the first London Fire Brigade in 1833.

Until Braidwood's brigade, only those wealthy enough to arrange their own insurance for fire could rely on help from the private firefighting firms.

The historic museum is currently staffed by volunteers and is open to the public most days. There are between 4000 and 5000 visitors a year. But current running costs for the museum are about £12,000 a year, principally for property costs.

While Alasdair Hay, the new SFRS chief officer, has said he wants to retain the museum, there are concerns it could be moved out of the capital or the collection could be split up.

Braidwood supporter and former Edinburgh Lord Provost George Grubb said there would be a push to keep the collection intact and in the city.

He also said it should be formally elevated to full national status. The museum focuses on the Lothian and Borders area but also includes exhibits from across Scotland.

Mr Grubb said: "I would be very disappointed and saddened if the collection was broken up."

Braidwood was killed in a London fire, and his reputation was such that his funeral procession was said to be the largest since that of the Duke of Wellington.