Kostroma is an ancient city in central Russia, founded in the 12th century. Initially, it was entirely wooden, which created a fire hazard. Houses, warehouses, stables, shops, and baths stood very close to each other, and if a fire broke out, the flames quickly spread to neighboring buildings. By the end of the 18th century, Kostroma had experienced 14 major fires. In 1773, a fire station was established in the city, but it was not enough. Only in 1825 did Governor Karl Baumgarten order the construction of a fire tower.

They chose a location in the center of the city for its construction, so that the entire Kostroma could be seen from it. The governor also insisted that the tower become a decoration for the city. The project was handled by provincial architect Pyotr Fursov. The building was designed in the late classical style and resembled an ancient temple with a portico, a high pediment, and six columns with Ionic capitals. As the governor wished, the tower became a true adornment of Kostroma.

Inside the building were rooms for firefighters, a stable, a water storage, a place for hoses, ladders, and other technical equipment, as well as offices for staff. At the top of the tower, at a height of 35 meters, a guard was always on duty, watching for possible fires. Upon discovering a fire, he would ring a bell, and the firefighters would immediately respond to the call.

Over time, the tower became a local landmark. When Nicholas I visited it in 1834, he noted that there was none like it in St. Petersburg. Since then, the tower has been considered one of the most beautiful in Russia. Remarkably, it was used for its intended purpose for almost 180 years, until the 21st century. Today, the Kostroma fire tower is recognized as a national treasure and is protected by UNESCO, and in 2005, a fire museum opened within it.