The Calgary Firefighters Tartan

The Alberta Firefighters Pipe Band has since 2009 represented Alberta’s fire service in parade’s and highland games throughout the province. The band has a mixed membership of firefighters and civilians.

Once the band got off the ground, a handful of members took on the task of designing a new tartan for their kilts. Since the designers knew the tartan would represent the fire service & firefighters, colours were chosen to reflect the profession; red for fire, grey for smoke, blue for water, all on a unique black background dedicated to fallen firefighters.

While a variety of names for the tartan were considered, the group kept coming back to “The Calgary Firefighters Tartan” as a token of appreciation for Local 255’s generous support. The Association has provided a practice facility for the band since its inception (the band is also proud to carry “IAFF Local 255” on its bass drum).

The tartan was officially registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority as “The Calgary Firefighters Tartan”.  The designers chose not to place restrictions on the Tartan…in other words it can be worn or adopted by any person, group or organization.