PORTLAND FIRE STATIONS THROUGH HISTORY
(1853 TO PRESENT)
(revised March 16, 2022)
To find the station you want to learn about, first determine the quadrant of Portland where it is located. The map on the MAP OF ALL STATIONS page can help you locate a specifc station. Once you determine the quadrant, click on the button below to take you to all station history in that quadrant. Stations are first listed alphabetically by street name, then in numerial order by street number. Active stations are shown in YELLOW.
Portland Fire Station history is challenging to sort out and share. Trying to follow the life line of each fire company is almost impossible. The best method has been to list each locaton that served as a fire station, listing what engines and trucks were assigned and during what time periods. This document has arranged Portland Fire Station information in that way. This document has organized the stations by:
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Quadrant
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Street Name Alphabetical
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Street Name Numerical
Actual Portland Fire Station Tours
This web site allows you to take a virtual tour of Portland Fire Stations (below). But if you're inclined to want to take an actual driving tour of the city of Portland and visit the active and inactive fire stations that still stand in Portland, this is the place for you.
Below you will find 6 documents, each representing a quadrant of the City, taking you on a stop by stop tour of Portland fire stations. The address is provided to enter into a GPS. When you arrive, the narrative is provided to share information about the stop.
These are provided in printable documents so you can have it in hand, or read it from your device. Enjoy, and drive safe!
NORTH PORTLAND
8615 N Albany Street Municipal Terminal #3 (Houseboat)
Fireboat 3 - 1928 to 1962
The fire station at this location was floating houseboat that would be moved periodically from time to time. Between 1928 and 1962, it was moored at Port of Portland Terminal #3 at the foot of the east end of the St. Johns Bridge. Images show the boat house and crew. The Fireboat Karl Gunster was assigned there for the majority of the station's time. Karl Gunster was a firefighter who died in the line of duty on June 15, 1921 at the May Apartments in downtown. He was working at Engine 22 at the time. He was also the Union President at the time of his death.
7205 N Alta Avenue
ENGINE 22, TRUCK 22 IN SERVICE
Engine 22 - 1960 to Present
Truck 22 - 1984 to Present
Truck 9 - 1960 to 1984
Engine 32 - 1954 to 1960
Station 22 was built in 1954 to serve the community of St. Johns. The prior station was a couple blocks away at 7214 N Philadelphia Avenue, in the basement. Station 22 began as Station 32 from 1954 to 1960. The Modernization Program changed the numbering convention and the number 22 was assigned to the station. In 1960, Truck 9 would join Engine 22. A rescue vehicle, purchased by the community of St. Johns, would join the Engine and Truck. It would be named the "Shirlee Ann," in memory of a young girl named Shirlee Ann Howell who died one day short of her first birthday in 1954. She choked on a grape and help was too far away from a resuscitator to be saved. The community grieved, then rallied. They raised funds and negotiated with city council to have a dedicated rescue vehicle assigned to Station 22. It was dedicated on January 28, 1956 and served continuously until the late 1990s. While the vehicle itself is no longer in service, Engine 22 still carries the Shirlee Ann designation and the Shirlee Ann Trust Fund remains in existence to ensure her memory continues to serve the community of St. Johns.
2600 Block of N Borthwick Avenue
Engine 8 - 1891 to 1903
Truck 5 - 1891 to 1892
Engine 8 began service in North Portland in 1891 in the firehouse shown. The picture shows Engine 8 and Hose 8, which worked as a team when responding to fires. Truck 5 was also activated in 1891 but moved to another location within a year. Engine 8 and Truck 5 would be reunited in 1907 at a different location. Truck 5 is shown in a photo while parked in the street.
8105 N Brandon Avenue
(1711 Brandon Street)
Engine 8 - 1960 to 1960
Engine 30 - 1913 to 1960
This station was built in 1913 and designated Engine 30. It would serve Kenton until 1960. The firehouse was built through a joint venture between the city of Portland and Swift Packing Company. The land was donated by the Kenwood Development Corp, and the construction was paid for by the city. In 1960, it was first renumbered as Engine 8 as part of the Modernization Program, then closed by the end of 1960. The new Engine 8 would open at 7134 N Maryland Street. The Kenton Firehouse became a storage facility for city surplus for 17 years before being sold. It was cleaned up and refurbished to become the Historic Kenton Firehouse and designated an historic landmark. It provides a place for a variety of community events today. The photos contrast the station prior to 1920 and in 2008.
5340 N Interstate Avenue
(1126 Patton Avenue)
Engine 24 - 1911 to 1959
Truck 7 - 1928 to 1959
Old Station 24 was built in 1911. It is of a unique design that indicates it may have been a district headquarters. Truck 7 would be assigned to the station in 1928 and they would both serve until it was closed after the Modernization Program would build a new station at 4515 N Maryland Street. The building is now occupied by the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, a city art facility. They have done a nice job of maintaining the building with its original character. Photos show the station in 1911 and the Truck 7 crew in the 1950s.
12070 N Jantzen Beach Avenue
Engine 17 - 1973 to 1995
Boat 17 - 1994 to 1995
The fire station on Hayden Island was a rather unremarkable building that was provided by the local business that developed the island. While it was a distance from the water, it did host Fireboat 17 for a year before closing. The island would receive a new fire station in 1995 that provided better proximity to the fireboat and a more purpose-built facility. This building no longer exists.
5247 N Lombard Street
ENGINE 26
Engine 26 -1959 to Present
Engine 36 - 1928 to 1959
Station 26 was built in 1928. The classic bungalow design is still identifiable today. From 1928 to 1959, the company occupying the station was Engine 36. The Modernization Program updated the station and re-assigned the number 26 to the station. The station serves the North Portland community including the University of Portland campus. The photo on the left shows the Engine 36 in 1930, a couple years after opening. The second photo shows it in 80 years later, and after many remodels to help it remain a vital facility for the community.
4515 N Maryland Avenue
ENGINE 24
Engine 24 - 1959 to Present
Truck 24 - 1984 to 1987
Truck 7 - 1959 to 1984
Station 24 was built under the Modernization Program in 1959. It also housed Truck 7, which was re-named Truck 24 in 1984 when Portland Fire & Rescue merged with Fire District 10. Truck 24 would remain until 1987 when it was moved to Station 8 and became Truck 8. The station serves the important corridor of Interstate 5 as well as Swan Island, a relatively isolated industrial area once known for ship production dating back to world war II. The left photo shows the station soon after it was built and the right photo is in the late 1980s with apparatus in the bay.
7134 N Maryland Avenue
ENGINE 8, TRUCK 8
Engine 8 - 1960 to Present
Truck 8 - 1987 to Present
Station 8 was built under the Modernization Program in 1960 and housed Engine 8. In 1987, the engine was joined by a Truck 8 which moved from Station 24. They continue to serve today North Portland and protect the I-5 corridor and North Portland. Engine and Truck 8 were joined by a BLS rescue unit (Rescue 8) in the mid 1980s.
4015 N Mississippi Avenue
(829 Mississippi Street)
Engine 33 - 1913 to 1921
Chemical 3 - 1912 to 1912
Chemical 4 - 1908 to 1911
This station served several companies in the early years, such as Chemical 3, Chemical 4, and Engine 33. It was closed in 1921, about the time the department became fully motorized. The picture shows Chemical Engine 3 being pulled by a horse. Chemical engines used chemicals to propel water from a tank. They were used sparingly in the early 1900s in Portland.
11040 N Lombard Street Municipal Terminal #4 Pier 2 (Houseboat)
Boat 3 - 1965 to 1985
11040 N Lombard Street Municipal Terminal #4 Pier 4 (Houseboat)
Boat 3 - 1962 to 1965
While technically the same address, Fireboat 3's floating boat house would be moved around between 1962 and 1985. It had moved from Terminal 3 in St. Johns to Terminal 4 in 1962 and would eventually be replaced by a land-based fireboat station. The photo on the left shows it with the Fireboat Jenkins in front. The photo on the right shows the Virgil Spencer, which was named for a firefighter who died in the line of duty.
7214 N Philadelphia Avenue
(215 Philadelphia Street)
Engine 32 - 1913 to 1954
Old Station 32 remains in existence, but is unidentifiable to those who do not know. When St. Johns was annexed into the city, it needed both a Police and Fire Station. In 1913, the former city hall was converted to North Precinct on the upper floors for the Police Bureau, and Station 32 in the basement. This would continue until 1954 when the new station at 7204 N Alta would be built. It would remain Engine 32 until 1960 when the reassignment of numbers during the Modernization Program would change it to Station 22. The police bureau still occupies the upper floors of the building. Photos show it was not a spacious space, but fire engines were much smaller then.
822 N River Street
(Foot of N Albina Street)
Boat 2 - 1925 to 1960
Fireboat 2 would begin service in this location in 1925 and provide service until 1960. Prior to this station, Fireboat 2 would be based at the foot of NW Hoyt Street from 1913 to 1925. After leaving this location, it would occupy the station at 3660 NW Front Avenue and remain in service until today. The land-based station would also house a hose tender that would transport hose to the scene or to and from the hose warehouse for the boat. It was also the location of the Logistics center for the Fire Department prior to the facility adjacent to Old Station 7 on 11th and Stark. The station is difficult to see except from the water, but remains intact looking much like it did in its working days.
Swan Island (owned by Maritime Commission)
Engine 38 - 1942 to 1947
During World War II when the Swan Island shipyards were working round the clock to build and repair naval ships, fire protection became an issue. A fire station was located on Swan Island to better serve the operations. It is believed it was largely funded by the military and perhaps operated more like a fire brigade, with assistance from Portland Fire, but little is in the record about it. No photos exist of the station.
848 N Tomahawk Island Drive
ENGINE 17, FIREBOAT 17
Engine 17 - 1995 to Present
Boat 17 - 1995 to Present
Station 17 was built in 1995 and houses both Engine 17 and Fireboat 17. Prior to 1995, Hayden Island was served by Station 17 at 12070 N Jantzen Avenue. Built in 1973, it was a few blocks from the dock that housed the Fireboat so logistically, it made for slow responses. The new station provides more efficient service and quicker response by the Fireboat. The station is shown here on the left with the Vern Buss Fireboat 17 on the right.
3800 Block N Vancouver Avenue (Between Beech and Failing Street)
Hose 4 - 1892 to 1893
Hose companies were typically paired with an engine company during the horse drawn days. Steam engines were very heavy and to load hose and ladders on them was too much of a burden on horses. However, some early fire stations were too small, or the budget did not allow for a hose wagon for every engine. Hose 4 is an example of a lone Hose Company occupying a fire station. No photos exist of this station or the apparatus.
EAST & NORTHEAST PORTLAND
7301 E Burnside Street
ENGINE 19
Engine 19 - 1953 to Present
Squad 19 - 1984 to 1984
Truck 19 - 1984 to 1984
Truck 6 - 1963 to 1984
Station 19 was built in 1953 to replace the old Station 19 at 60th and Stark Street. In 1963, Truck 6 would join Engine 19, being moved from Station 9 in the Belmont District. In 1984, with the merger of District 10, Truck 6 would become Truck 19. This would last less than a year as Squad 19 would be created to take its place. The Chief at the time theorized that because there were few tall buildings in that part of town that a staffing unit would provide quicker response. So Squad 19 would be dispatched to many incidents across the eastern part of the city. This too would not last long and Engine 19 became a single company again. It remains in service today. The photo on the left shows Station 19 in 1954, The picture on the right shows the station in 1984 with the short-lived Squad 19 in the driveway.
7210 NE Alderwood Road
Engine 12 - 1980 to 1988
Station 12 was considered quite an innovation when built in 1980. Providing assistance to the Port Of Portland Fire Department at the airport for airport emergencies, it was equipped with heavy insulation and sound deadening glass to allow comfort near the airport runways. It was dedicated with great fanfare, with dignitaries participating (photo on right). It would only last 8 years and was closed in 1988. Engine 12 was mothballed for 15 years before re-surfacing at its present day location at 8645 NE Sandy Boulevard. The old building was sold into private use and has served a variety of purposes.
6823 NE Durham Avenue
(426 Durham Avenue)
Engine 29 - 1913 to 1957
Old Station 29 was built in 1913. It would serve until 1957 when the Modernization Program would render its location obsolete. Engine 29 would sit dormant for 4 years until the new station was built on the river at the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge, 5 SE Madison. NE Portland would go on to be served by several other re-located fire stations across that part of town. Today, the old station serves as a restaurant. The photo on the left shows the station prior to 1920 with Hose 29 and crew. The photo on the right was taken in 2008 and shows how well the station has been cared for. At one time, a Portland Firefighter used it as his personal residence.
5916 NE Going Street
TOY & JOY WAREHOUSE
Engine 40 - 1984 to 2005
Truck 40 - 1984 to 1993
Truck 8 - 1984 to 1984
District #10 Prior to 1984
Station 40 began as a Fire District 10 station. In 1984, Fire District 10 merged with Portland Fire and the station became Station 40. It would maintain that identity until 2005 when the Station 28 would be re-established at 5540 NE Sandy Boulevard. Given its close proximity to Station 28, which was also open in 1984, Station 40 was considered a better building and location, causing Station 28 to not only close, but to be given away to another city bureau (Office of Neighborhood Associations). In 2005, Portland Fire & Rescue would buy back Station 28, seismically upgrade it, then close Station 40 in favor of Station 28. The fire commissioner would eventually sell the building to the Portland Fire's Toy and Joy Program, who still occupy the building today. They provide Christmas Toys for children across the region with a program created by Portland Firefighters in 1914.
1207 NE Grand Avenue
(261 Grand Avenue)
Engine 13 - 1908 to 1955
This station was put into service in 1908. It served what would become the Lloyd District. It bridged the era that moved from horse-drawn to motorized, as illustrated in the two photos. The station would be replaced in 1955 with the current Station 13 at 926 NE Weidler. This station no longer exists.
420 NE Holladay Street
(390 Holladay Street)
Truck 4 - 1895 to 1906
This station is one of the few that originated as a Truck Company only station. It would remain in this status from 1895 to 1906. Truck 4 would be moved to quarters with Engine 7 in 1906 at 302 SE 3rd Avenue. The station no longer exists.
1905 NE Killingsworth Street
ENGINE 14
Engine 14 - 1959 to Present
Station 14 was built under the Modernization Program that built and replaced many fire stations across Portland. Located adjacent to Alberta Park, it is one of the more scenic and spacious stations in Portland. It would replace the previous Station 14 located at 5035 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. That MLK building no longer exists, but it was the site of a fire station housing Chemical 4 from 1898 to 1907. Engine 14 served at that location from 1908 to 1924. In 1924, a new bungalow station opened and Engine 14 continued to serve until 1959 when it would move to this location. The left photo shows the station after it was built. On the right is the staion in the 1980s with apparatus parked on the ramp..
45 NE Russell Street
(303 Russell Street)
Engine 8 - 1903 to 1957
Truck 5 - 1927 to 1955
Truck 5 - 1907 to 1917
This station would go into service with Engine 8 in 1903. Truck 5 would join Engine 8 in 1907. After a brief hiatus in 1917, Truck 5 would rejoin Engine 8 in 1927. The station would remain in service until 1957, just before the Modernization Project would fund new, relocated stations. Engine 8 would remain out of service from 1957 until 1960 when the new station at 7134 N Maryland Avenue was complete. They remain there today. This station would span the move from horse-drawn to motorized apparatus.
5540 NE Sandy Boulevard
(1494 Sandy Boulevard)
ENGINE 28
Engine 28 - 2005 to Present
Engine 28 - 1913 to 1984
Engine 28 would come into service in 1913 at this location. It would serve continuously until 1984. With the merger with Fire District 10, this station was deemed antiquated. District 10 had Station 40 less than a mile away at 5916 NE Going Street and it was chosen to serve the area formerly served by two engines and two fire departments. When Station 28 was vacated, it was given to the City of Portland's Office of Neighborhood Associations. They occupied it for many years. When a general obligation bond was passed to seismically upgrade and replace fire stations across Portland, Station 40 was deemed unacceptable. Portland Fire had to then buy this station back from the city, make seismic improvements, and then reoccupy it in 2005. It remains in service today. The unusual artwork in the front was part of a city mandate to have all new or upgraded buildings spend 1% of the building budget on public artwork.
8645 NE Sandy Boulevard
ENGINE 12
Engine 12 - 2003 to Present
Station 12 was built as part of the General Obligation Bond project that would seismically upgrade or replace stations across the city of Portland. It would open its doors in 2003. The number 12 had been mothballed since 1988 when the 8 year old station 12 at 7210 NE Alderwood was closed.
13313 NE San Rafael Street
ENGINE 30
Engine 30 - 2007 to Present
Engine 43 - 1984 to 2007
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 30 began as a Fire District 10 station. In 1984, Fire District 10 merged with Portland Fire and the station became Station 43. It would maintain that identity until 2006 when the entire numbering convention of Portland Stations was overhauled. It then became Engine 30. The left photo was taken in 2006 and the right photo in 2008, after the station remodel.
1019 NE MLK Boulevard
(227 N Union Avenue)
Chemical 3 - 1894 to 1907
The picture shows Chemical Engine 3 being pulled by a horse. Chemical engines used chemicals to propel water from a tank. They were used sparingly in the early 1900s in Portland. Chemical 3 would move to Mississippi Avenue after this location closed in 1907
5035 NE MLK Boulevard
(4867 NE Union Avenue)
(1027 N Union Avenue)
Engine 14 - 1937 to 1959
Engine 14 - 1924 to 1937
Engine 14 - 1908 to 1924
Chemical 4 - 1898 to 1907
This station took many forms over the years. Originally, it was a wooden building. In 1924, a bungalow style station would be built and it would remain until the Modernization program would provide for the new Station 14 at 19th and Killingsworth. Neither building exists any longer.
926 NE Weidler Street
ENGINE 13, TRUCK 13
Engine 13 - 1955 to Present
Truck 13 - 1984 to Present
Truck 5 - 1955 to 1984
Station 13 would come into service in 1908 at 1207 NE Grand Avenue. That building no longer exists. They would serve there until 1955 when the current station was put into service. It would house Engine 13 and Truck 5, both of which remain today. Truck 5 became Truck 13 in 1984 with the consolidation with Fire District #10. Station 13 was a key station necessary as the Lloyd district grew into a vital business district in the 1960s, with high rise buildings and what was once the largest shopping mall in the nation, Lloyd Center. The photo on the left shows the nearly completed station in 1955. The photo on the right was taken in 2008.
2200 NE 24th Avenue
Engine 12 - 1957 to 1965
Engine 18 - 1939 to 1941
Engine 18 - 1913 to 1933
While it looks fairly modest as a small business in a residential neighborhood, Station 18 was the first bungalow fire station to be built. In 1913, Battalion Chief Lee Holden came upon this innovative design to appease the newly built Irvington neighborhood, who did not want a commercial looking building of a fire station in their neighborhood. The bungalow looked more like a house than a fire station. This station was the true mark of a changing era. In 1913, while the department was still less than half motorized, this new style of station was built without accommodations for horses, sealing the fire bureau's commitment to motorized vehicles. Full motorization would not be complete for 7 more years. It is interesting to note that the station served under the Engine 18 designation from 1913 to 1933. The station then went unused for 6 years before resurfacing as Engine 18 from 1939 to 1941. It again sat dormant until 1957 when it went back into service as Engine 12, which is when the former Engine 12 at 203 NE 28th would close. It would remain Engine 12 until it was closed for good in 1965. The top photo was taken in 1913. The middle photo is from 1961. The lower photo is from 2008.
203 NE 28th Avenue
(63 E 28th Street)
Engine 12 - 1924 to 1957
Engine 12 - 1907 to 1924
This station began service in 1907, a time of significant growth in the Fire Department. Like many stations of the era, it was a wooden building that didn't last a very long time. In 1924, a bungalow fire station would be built in it's place and remain in service until 1957 when the Modernization Program would move or replace many stations. The building no longer exists.
4828 NE 33rd Avenue
Engine 34 - 1928 to 1959
Station 34 would be built and put into service in 1928. The bungalow station would serve until 1959 when the Modernization Program would relocate fire stations, rendering this building as surplus. For many years, it has housed the Oregon Stamp Society. Photos show an early image on the left and a photo from 2008 on the right.
2 NE 82nd Avenue
(30 E. 82nd Street)
Engine 27 - 1913 to 1953
Station 27 was built in 1913 of the typical station design of the era. These stations were designed by Battalion Chief Lee Holden, who also designed the bungalow stations. This class of station could accommodate horses. This station would remain in service until 1953. Engine 27 would be mothballed until 1960 when it would go into service in the Linnton area in northwest Portland. The photo on the left is an early image of the station. On the right is a crew of firefighters passing time in the second floor living room.
4835 NE 106th Avenue
Engine 48 - 1984 to 1992
Truck 48 - 1984 to 1985
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 48 began as a Fire District 10 station. In 1984, Fire District 10 merged with Portland Fire and the station became Station 48. It would maintain that identity until, with an Engine, Truck, and Rescue, until 1992 when it would close as a fire station and help serve the needs of the Training Division. In private ownership, it went on to serve a variety of private uses. The photo on the left shows the station in the mid 1980s. On the right, is 2008 as it looks in private ownership.
4800 NE 122nd Avenue
Training Center
ENGINE 2, TRUCK 2
Engine 2 - 1985 to Present
Truck 2 - 1993 to Present
Station 2 was originally built as the Water Department facility for the Parkrose area. In 1985, it was refitted to serve as a fire station. Many upgrades took place over the following years as the station was built as well as the offices and drill tower. It eventually became the home of the Training Division for Portland Fire & Rescue. The buildings in the back house the Training Academy. The station itself houses Engine 2 and, since 1993, Truck 2. They provide in-service training for new hires as they transition from the Training Academy to a regular company. The drill grounds serve the entire department and have a variety of training aids which include a drill tower, burn building, trench rescue prop, driver training area, and extrication drill areas.
4334 NE 148th Avenue
Engine 28 - 1984 to 1987
In 1984, Portland Fire entered into a contractual agreement with Fire District 10 that previously served the area east of Portland. With the expanded service area came stations that were too close together to be efficient. Stations 28 and 40 were a little over a mile apart. Since Station 28 was over 70 years old at that time, it was decided to close it. Engine 28 was moved to a short term location (a mobile home and pole barn served as the station) on 148th Avenue until a more permanent facility could be built. That didn't happen and in 1987, Engine 28 was mothballed until 2005 when their previous station at NE 56th and Sandy Boulevard was reactivated.
1520 NE 192nd Avenue
Engine 44 - 1984 to 1987
Truck 44 - 1984 to 1987
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 44, now Gresham Fire Department Station 74, came into Portland Fire & Rescue in 1984 when Fire District 10 and Portland would merge. In 1987, the city of Gresham would annex enough area to take possession of the station and equipment, making it part of the Gresham Fire Department from then forward. The photo on the left shows the station in 1984. On the right is 2008 as a Gresham Fire Facility. The property also houses a training tower and classroom.
NORTHWEST PORTLAND
Foot of NW Couch Street
Hose 1 -1885 to 1892
Hose companies were typically paired with an engine company during the horse drawn days. Steam engines were very heavy and to load hose and ladders on them was too much of a burden on horses. However, some early fire stations were too small, or the budget did not allow for a hose wagon for every engine. Hose 1 was a rare case of lone Hose Company occupying a fire station.
245 NW Everett Street
Hose 1 - 1893 to 1897
Hose 1 would be shuffled around NW Portland in the early days, eventually being teamed with an engine company. However, it would take about 12 years for this to occur. Only one photo of these early years has been found and that was when it was located at the Foot of NW Couch.
3630 NW Front Avenue
ENGINE 6, FIREBOAT 6
Engine 6 - 1960 to Present
Boat 6 - 1984 to Present
Boat 2 - 1960 to 1984
Station 6 was built in 1960 as part of the Modernization Program. It was designed to house a land company and a Fireboat company. It had an important location in the lower Willamette River near the shipyards, yet still split between the downtown riverfront and the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Fireboat 2 was assigned there in 1960 and its designation changed to Fireboat 6 in 1984 when Portland Fire would merge with Fire District 10. It was originally served by a full Engine Company and a full Fireboat crew. In the 1980s, budget cuts reduced it to one crew that would serve the Engine or Fireboat, one or the other. The photo on the left shows the station in its early years. On the right is an aerial view of the fireboat dock. The station can be seen in the upper left corner.
10803 NW Front Avenue
Engine 33 - 1921 to 1940
Records are not clear on this station. It resided in Linnton, a small community North of Portland on the Willamette River. The station may have originally been a volunteer fire hall that was put to use when Portland annexed or otherwise began providing service to Linnton. A new station would be built just down the road in 1940 and become the new home for Engine 33. This building no longer exists.
![1920c_Hose 33 in Linnton [new quarters]_](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f25978_9754837bedb24163bf79b2a6d42dadaa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_421,h_290,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1920c_Hose%2033%20in%20Linnton%20%5Bnew%20quarters%5D_.jpg)
1425 NW Glisan Street
(511 Glisan Street)
Engine 3 - 1925 to 1968
Truck 3 - 1891 to 1968
Couch Engine Company #6 - 1881 to 1883
Old Station 3 began life as an older building that went into service as Couch Engine Company #6 in about 1881. It would be mothballed in 1883 when Portland moved to a paid fire department. However, it was kept on the rolls and re-opened in 1891 with only Truck 3 responding from the quarters. A new station would be built in 1913 and that building stands today. Engine 3 would join Truck 3 in 1925 and they would remain in service at that location until the new Station 3 was built at 17th and Johnson in 1968. The building was sold into private ownership and was a restaurant for many years. It remains well preserved today. The photo on the left shows the station and crew in what was probably the 1940s. On the right is a photo from 2008 when it was the Touche Restaurant.
Foot of NW Hoyt Street
Boat 2 - 1913 to 1925
The first fireboat to serve Portland was the George Williams, which was christened in 1903. By 1913, a second fireboat was needed so the David Campbell was built. It would be designated Fireboat #2. It was docked at the Foot of NW Hoyt Street in 1913, where it would serve until 1925. It would move across the river to the Boat Station at 922 N River Road in 1925 and remain for many years. There are no photos of the station at the Foot of NW Hoyt Street. The photo shows the first Fireboat David Campbell (it would be replaced with the current Fireboat David Campbell in 1927.
1715 NW Johnson Street
ENGINE 3, TRUCK 3
Engine 3 - 1968 to Present
Truck 3 - 1968 to Present
Engine 17 - 1968 to 1970
Station 3 was built in 1968. For its first two years of service, it not only housed Engine and Truck 3, but also Engine 17. Engine 17 would eventually move to Hayden Island in 1973. Prior to 1968, Engine and Truck 3 provided service from 1425 NW Glisan. That building remains today. The service area of Station 3 was once more industrial but urban renewal changed it to a vibrant and eclectic business and residential district of today. The photo on the left shows Station 3 in the mid 1970s. On the right is a 2008 photo after another remodel.
2200 Block NW Nicholi Street
Engine 6 - 1902 to 1924
Engine 6 began service in 1902 at this location. It would remain until 1924 when a bungalow station was built at nearby 2401 NW 23rd Avenue. The photo on the left shows the station with Engine 6 and Hose 6 posed out front. The steam engine era found most every steamer teamed with a hose wagon. Steamers were very heavy and the Hose wagons carried hose, ladders, and all the other tools needed to fight a fire. Steamer typcially carried the Driver and Engineer, while the Hose Wagon would carry all the other firefighters. The photo on the right shows the crew.
3130 NW Skyline Boulevard
ENGINE 27
Engine 27 - 2006 to Present
Station 27 would go into service in 2006 and continues service today. It serves an area that was long neglected by service, with low call volume being cited as the reason. The hills and roadways of Forest Park pose significant response issues, especially when winter weather strikes. As development has grown to the North, along Skyline Road, a fire station became necessary. It is also key to the protection of Forest Park, the largest Park in the United States located within a city boundary. Forest Park covers 5,200 acres. By comparison, Central Park in New York covers 840 acres.
11212 NW St. Helens Road
Engine 27 - 1960 to 1983
Engine 33 - 1940 to 1960
Station 27 would begin its life near this location in 1940 as Engine 33. In 1960, as part of the Modernization Program, it was assigned the new number of Station 27. Prior to this location, Engine 33 served Linnton from 10803 NW Front Avenue in a building that no longer exists. Direct Service in Linnton would cease in 1983, just prior to Portland Fire's merge with Fire District 10. It is now served from Station 22 in St. Johns. The photo on the left was taken in 1961. On the right, 2008, heavily modified for private use.
5645 NW Willbridge Avenue
Engine 16 - 1986 to 1990
Engine 16 has probably occupied more addresses than any other Engine Company. In this case the Station was built in 1986. It was to replace the old Station 16 at 4465 NW Yeon. Considered a building of economical design, it was built into the hillside to reduce energy costs and better blend into the Forest Park community. Within 4 years, the Fire Department decided to abandon it and the area was left with only Station 6 on Front Avenue and Station 22 in St. Johns to provide protection. The Hazardous Materials Team, who the station was built for, would move to an East County fire station. The building stayed in city ownership for a few years before being sold. The photo on the left shows the station soon after opening in 1986. On the right is the Haz Mat Van and team.
4465 NW Yeon Avenue
Engine 16 - 1944 to 1985
Station 16 was built in 1944 at the important intersection of St. Helens Road and Yeon Street. It provided service to the NW Industrial area and helped provide coverage for areas where train traffic could divide response areas. With the building of the Kittridge Overpass, train problems were diminished greatly and the station was closed in 1985. Soon after, while remaining in city ownership, it was used as a hazardous waste storage facility as the Hazardous Materials Team began work abating hazardous methamphetamine laboratories. It would eventually be sold to private ownership. The photo on the left shows the station in the 1960s. On the right is 2008 in private ownership.
510 NW 3rd Avenue
Engine 2 - 1912 to 1950
Station 2 is was built in 1912 and is perhaps the most photographed of all Portland Fire Stations. Its chinker brick design and very visible location give it a readily identifiable look. It would house Engine 2 and serve until 1950 when it was condemned because of its lack of structural integrity. This did not seem to deter it from being used for many purposes over the years. When closed, Engine 2 would move down Front Avenue to the newly built Central Fire Station at 55 SW Ash Street. Engine 2 would remain in service there as a second Engine Company until 1962, at which time it was put out of service and it the crew would staff the newly created Squad 1. Old Station 2 would go under private ownership and eventually be purchased by Prosper Portland, an urban development arm of the City of Portland. On the left is a 1913 photo of the building. On the right is one of the most used photos of the station, showing horses pulling a steamer from the apparatus floor on the way to a fire. The building was demolished in August 2021.
1521 NW 20th Avenue
(329 N 20th Street)
Engine 26 - 1915 to 1947
Hose 6 - 1896 to 1912
Service would begin at this location in 1896 with Hose 6 as a lone company supporing the engine companies in NW Portland. It would remain alone until 1912. The station was mothballed for three years before reopening in 1915 occupied by Engine 26. It would remain until 1947. The station was put out of service in 1947. The designation Engine 26 would not be used again until 1959 when numbering was re-calibarated and Engine 36 would become Engine 26, located at 5247 N Lombard. The photo shows the station and crew when on NW 20th Avenue.
2401 NW 23rd Avenue
Engine 6 - 1924 to 1957
Station 6 was built as a typical bungalow fire station in 1924. It would serve until 1957 when the Modernization Program would re-locate and vacate certain stations. Today, it serves as the Union Hall and warehouse for the International Longshoreman's Union. The photo shows the buiilding in 2008.
824 NW 24th Avenue
(188 N. 24th Street)
Engine 17 - 1913 to 1968
Of all past Portland Fire Stations, Station 17 may be the most beautiful and well maintained. It was built in 1913 and served continuously until 1968 when the new Station 3 would be built at 1715 NW Johnson. This station sat in the heart of the west hills residential area and blended nicely into the community. Since its sale to private ownership, it has housed businesses and served as a private residence. It has been well cared for over the years and still carries many of the original features of the fire station both inside and out. It has been placed on the national registry of Historic Places. The photo on the left shows the station around 1920. On the right is at the time it was closed in 1968.
SOUTH & SOUTHWEST PORTLAND
5830 S Kelly Street
(1334 Kelly Street)
Engine 10 - 1925 to 1984
Engine 10 moved to this location in 1925 from an older building that was established in 1906. This station is A a bungalow station. These stations were designed by Chief Lee Holden of the Portland Fire Department. He designed over 30 stations and had a profound influence on the fire department with some of his designs still being in service today. Of course, many upgrades and changes have occurred, but the location and general design have served well for nearly 100 years. Station 10 would close in 1984 and re-open the same year at 451 SW Taylors Ferry Road. The photo on the left was taken in the 1920s while the one on the right in the 1960s. The building still stands today in private ownership.
5400 S Macadam Avenue
(1250 SW Macadam Road)
Engine 10 - 1906 to 1925
Engine 10 would go into service in 1906 and be located on South Macadam Road. The station would remain until 1925 when a bungalow station was built on S Kelly Street to replace it. Battalion Chief Lee Holden, the designer of the bungalow stations, would bring many of these buildings to the forefront. Over 100 years after the first was built, three remain in use. The photo on the left shows the station with Engine 10 and Hose 10 posed in front. The photo on the right shows the station from a different angle. Note the dirt roads of the day, which would be mud much of the year.
55 SW Ash Street
ENGINE 1, TRUCK 1, SQUAD 1
Engine 1 - 1984 to Present
Engine 21 - 1950 to 1984
Truck 1 - 1950 to Present
Squad 1 - 1962 to Present
Engine 2 - 1950 to 1962
Station 1, or the Central Fire Station as it has also been known, was built in 1950. It replaced the prior main fire station that had been on 2nd Avenue at Pine Street. Station 1 was built with funding from a $3 Million dollar federal grant that modernized fire stations, apparatus, and dispatching operations. The station itself has always been the most heavily staffed fire station in Portland. When it opened in 1950, it housed Engine 21 and Truck 1. Soon after it opened, Station 2, just down the street at 3rd and NW Glisan, was condemned and closed. Engine 2 moved to Station 1 and for 12 years, the station was staffed with two responding Engine Companies. In 1962, Engine 2 was de-commissioned and became Squad 1, a specialty rescue unit that remains in service today. Other apparatus have responded from the station. They include Rescue 1, the on-duty deputy chief, and fire investigators. Other apparatus on site have included the Command Unit, the trench rescue unit, dive rescue unit, quick response boats, and various other equipment staffed on an as-needed basis. The building has also housed many administrative sections or Portland Fire & Rescue to include the Fire Marshal's Office, Public Education Office, Management Services, Planning and Development, and the offices of the Chief and most Division Chiefs. In fact, at one time the Chief's office was equipped as an apartment where some Chief's chose to live. The building was equipped with numerous poles to allow firefighters to move quickly from floor to floor. From the third floor, poles led to the second floor. A different pole would be needed to travel from the second floor to the main floor. The building also has a parking garage in the basement. The building underwent a significant renovation in 2000 to make seismic upgrades, improved sleeping quarters for firefighters, and an overhaul of the offices on the second and third floor. The building has also housed various pieces of antique fire apparatus over the years. These would include an 1859 handpumper, an 1860 hose cart, an 1866 ladder wagon, and a 1911 steam pumper. Behind the Station, on 1st Avenue, walk to the Skidmore Fountain. Steven Skidmore, whose family were early Portland settlers and namesakes of the fountain, was a volunteer firefighter with Multnomah Engine Company #2 in the 1850s. His friend and co-firefighter, Henry Weinhard, is also a well known Portland business figure. When the fountain was to be dedicated in Stephen's honor, Henry offered to purchase firehose and run it down Burnside Street from his Brewery (at West Burnside and 12th Avenue) to the fill the fountain with Beer. He petitioned the city fire commission with his offer but was refused. They stated "...didn't want children and horses getting drunk." The design of the fountain makes it a watering trough for horses and something humans could drink from too. Top photo is from the 1950s. The second photo shows the drill tower built onto the back of the station. Photo three shows a major apparatus purchase during the Modernization Program. The last photo was taken in 2008.
7780 SW Capitol Highway
Engine 18 - 1951 to 1961
On February 17, 1938 the Multnomah County Commissioners met at Multnomah School to organize a fire department for Multnomah. In April 1939 work began on the new fire station building (now Neighborhood House). The building had a dormitory on the second floor, housed equipment on the main, and had a full basement. William (Bill) Surplice was appointed chief May 31, 1939. The Chief enlisted about thirty volunteers, 18 to 28 years of age. They received no compensation, not even on fire calls. The first truck arrived on July 22, 1939. On November 7 1950, the people of Multnomah voted for annexation into Portland, and Portland took over the fire department August 1, 1951. The volunteers from the old district who wanted to remain were hired by the Portland Fire Department, and the Portland Fire Department operated out of the old Multnomah station until a new station on S.W. 30th near Dolph Court opened in 1961. The left photo shows the station when it was still the Multnomah Fire Department. On the right is a photo of a Portland Fire crew.
511 SW College Street
ENGINE 4, TRUCK 4
Engine 4 - 1962 to Present
Truck 4 - 1984 to Present
Truck 2 - 1962 to 1984
Station 4 opened in 1962 as part of the Modernization grant that rebuilt or moved many Portland Fire stations. It serves the downtown area and Portland State University. It is co-located with Truck 4. Truck 4 was also established in 1962, but prior to 1984, it was Truck 2. The number was changed in 1984 when Portland entered a contractual service agreement with Fire District #10 – East Multnomah County. That merger prompted the Truck numbers to be changed to a number that matched the Engine company in the station where they were co-located. The photo on the left shows the Engine, Truck, and Manifold in the 1950s. On the right is a tillered Truck 4. Tillered trucks were a standard in the core area for manueverability.
1505 SW DeWitt Street
ENGINE 5
Engine 5 - 1960 to Present
Truck 8 - 1960 to 1984
Station 5 would open in 1960 as part of the Modernization program. It would be house both Engine 5 and Truck 8. Truck 8 would remain until 1984 when station re-location changes resulting from budget constraints and the service agreement with Fire District #10 would prompt many changes. One significant change was to make Engine 5 a Quad unit. A quad is similar to an Engine, but it includes additional ladders and additional staffing. Quad 5 would be staffed with 6 firefighters with the idea that they would be dispatched as either an Engine company, or a Truck company (but not both). It was an interesting concept that did not last more than a few years. The demands for a Truck company were deemed minimal, and Quad 5 eventually became Engine 5 again, with a four person staff. The left photo shows Station 5 in 1960, just after opening. The right photo shows Quad 5 in the late 1980s.
3323 SW Naito Parkway
(811 Front Street)
Engine 5 - 1890 to 1957
Station 5 would be established in 1890 on this site. In 1924, the station needed to be upgraded and the bungalow station on site would be built. It would remain in service until 1957. At that time, the Modernization program would provide a new location for Engine 5 and it would come back into service at 1505 SW DeWitt in 1960. Since 1957, the building has been under multiple owners, including service as a birthing center. The left photo shows the 1890 station with Engine 5 and Hose 5. The right photo shows the bungalow station in private ownership in 2008.
630 SW Gaines Street
Engine 2 - 1962 to 1985
Station 2 would be built under the Modernization program that built and re-located many stations. It was intended to provide better protection for the Oregon Health Sciences University properties which were historically difficult to access in an emergency, especially during inclement weather. It was provided with only three firefighters, which was a departure from the typical staffing of 4-5 firefighters per apparatus. The station, while strategic in its location, was never very busy and would be closed in 1985 due to diminishing budgets. The left photo shows the station in the 1960s. On the right is a 1977 mini-pumper that was assigned as Engine 2. It was an experiment in manueverability.
1436 SW Montgomery Street
(494 Montgomery Street)
Engine 1 - 1948 to 1963
Truck 8 - 1939 to 1960
Engine 16 - 1911 to 1939
This station opened in 1911. It would house Engine 16 until 1939. At that time, Engine 16 would be taken out of service until 1944, when it would be reestablished in NW Portland. When Engine 16 was closed, Truck 8 was located as a lone company at this station. It was not uncommon in the early days for Truck companies to be housed as a single company. Today, Truck companies are always co-located with an Engine company. In 1948, Engine 1 would join Truck 8 and they would work together until 1960, at which time Truck 8 would be moved to SW Portland. Engine 1 would serve at this station for 3 more years. The station would be mothballed in 1963 and Engine 1 would cease to exist until 1984. The station is now in private ownership and served as the “Firehouse Theater” for many years. The photo on the left shows the building as Station 16 prior to 1920. On the right is the station housing Engine 1 and Truck 8 prior to 1960.
100 Block of SW Morrison Street
Engine 1 - 1883 to 1891
Willamette Engine Company #1 - 1853 to 1883
The first engine company to serve Portland was Willamette Engine Company #1. They went into service just days after Vigilance Hook & Ladder was approved by the city fire commission on August 2, 1853. Willamette would proudly serve until the Portland Volunteer Fire Department would become the Portland Paid Fire Department in 1883. Willamette would also deploy the first steam pumper to serve Portland. This station would continue to serve until 1891. Stations and equipment used in the volunteer era were assets of the city. Unlike places where fire protection was driven by the insurance industry, all volunteer companies to serve Portland had to first be accepted by, and approved by, the city's fire commission.
1715 SW Skyline Boulevard
ENGINE 16
Engine 16 - 2003 to Present
Station 16 was built in 2003 to serve the west border of the city of Portland. Border areas typically present challenges to fire station placement, but Highway 26, a major traffic corridor in and out of the city on the west side, added to that. It includes a tunnel that, when blocked, can limit response to the west side. It also serves significant attractions like the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center, and Washington Park. The station remains in service today. The photo shows Station 16 in 2008.
1920 SW Spring Street
(590 SW Spring Street)
ENGINE 15
Engine 15 - 1908 to Present
Station 15 was established in 1908. The original building, made of wood, was a grand building with almost a castle-like appearance. It would remain until 1925 when the present station was built. The current station is of the “bungalow” design. This design was first seen in 1913 and included significant changes such as low ceilings and no hose towers. In fact, the bungalows could not accommodate horse-drawn apparatus, so the handwriting of change to the motorized era was on the wall. ending the hose-drawn era. The first motorized apparatus would be purchased in 1909, and the last horse-drawn apparatus would be purchased in 1911. While the first bungalow was built in 1913, the next would not be built until 1923, after the department had become fully motorized in 1920. The photo on the left shows the early version of the station. On the right is the bungalow built in 1925.
Foot of SW Stark Street
Hose 1 - 1911 to 1912
Hose 1 would spend much of its existence coupled with Engine Companies like Engine 4 and Chemical 1. Between 1911 and 1912, it was housed alone at the Foot of SW Stark Street for reasons unknown. There were also no photos found of the type of building that may have existed. This site had formerly been the west landing for the Stark Street Ferry, which was retired after the Morrison Bridge was completed on April 12, 1887. The photo shows Hose 1 and crew several years before.
451 SW Taylors Ferry Road
ENGINE 10
Engine 10 - 1984 to Present
Station 10 was opened in 1984, replacing the old bungalow Station 10 on SW Kelly Street. It was the second new station to be built since the Modernization program of the early 1960s. It was controversial, to some extent because it was the first station to incorporate mandatory artwork into its budget. The city of Portland began a program requiring 1% of the building budget to be dedicated to public art. In the case of Station 10, a stainless steel dragon was created the would wrap around the exterior of the building. It was met with mixed reviews. Subsequent stations met the art requirement in different ways. Most would have interior artwork in public areas.
200 Block SW Washington Street
Engine 3 - 1883 to 1884
Columbian Engine Company #3 - 1859 to 1883
The duration of this station's service was with Columbian Engine Company #3. It was the third Engine Company accepted into city service. It would begin in 1859 and serve until the Portland Paid Fire department was formed in 1883. The company and station would transition into Engine 3 and remain until 1884. At that time, Portland was re-organizing station locations and company assignements to best serve the growing community of Portland. The photo at the right shows the station in the mid 1880s.
1440 SW Washington Street
(510 Washington Street)
Engine 3 - 1884 to 1925
In 1884, Engine 3 moved from what had been their home since 1859 at the 200 Block of SW Washington Street. This station would serve until the generation of Bungalow stations would begin to reshape the location of fire stations across the city. The building no longer exists today. The photo shows Engine 3 and Hose 3 posed in front of the station.
1233 SW 1st Avenue
(273 1st Street)
Engine 4 - 1960 to 1962
Engine 22 - 1913 to 1960
Chemical 2 - 1894 to 1912
Hose 2 - 1885 to 1912
Engine 4 - 1883 to 1885
Hose 1 - 1883 to 1885
Protection Engine Company #4 - 1862 to 1883
This station is difficult to define by the companies that responded from it. Located on SW 1st Avenue at what is now the West end of the Hawthorne Bridge, it was a very important location for the core area of Portland. It began service in 1862 with Protection Engine Company #4 in 1862. The photo in the top right shows the crew with a hand pulled steamer parked in the doorway The station is labeled above the door with "Protection." The photo on the left shows the station at a later date and labeled "Engine House 22." While the face of the station appears different, it is the same building, but the face has been replaced. The photo on the lower right is an interior photo of the upper floor dorm room. The building no longer exists.
221 SW 2nd Avenue
(69 2nd Street)
Engine 21 - 1921 to 1950
Truck 1 - 1948 to 1950
Hose 1 - 1898 to 1911
Chemical 1 - 1894 to 1927
Engine 2 - 1883 to 1884
Multnomah Engine Company #2 - 1856 to 1883
This station is another that is challenging to define and building maintenance and changes make identification difficult. It began service as Multnomah Engine Company #2 in 1856. It would transition into the Portland Paid Fire Department in 1883 as Engine 2. It would remain in service for 94 years. The photo on the left shows the station most likely in about 1900. Chemical Engine 1 is shown in the photo, which served beginning in 1894. Horses would be gone by 1920. he photo on the right is 1921 or later. Engine 21 began service there in 1921. The building appears to have a different face, and may have been completely rebuilt, or just received a new face.
720 SW 4th Avenue
(170 4th Street)
Engine 1 - 1891 to 1921
Truck 1 - 1883 to 1921
Engine 9 - 1897 to 1898
Vigilance Hook and Ladder #1 - 1853 to 1883
This station begin life as first fire company approved to serve the citizens of Portland. Records show they began service on August 2, 1853. They were followed on August 6 by Willamette Engine Company #1. This location would remain in service for 68 years. The building was rebuilt in 1890 so it could accommodate both an engine and truck company. The photo on the left shows the station in the volunteer era, between 1879 and 1890. While horses were not used by Portland Fire until 1883 (when a budget for horses and firefighters was established), Vigilance Hook & Ladder received a Hayes Second Class ladder truck from the city in 1879. It was designed for horses. It is presumed the volunteers might have provided horses for that service. Prior to that, the crew had a purpose-built ladder wagon built in 1866. The photo on the right shows an early Truck 1, which had a motorized tractor (dating it between 1910 and 1921).
905 SW 4th Avenue
(203 4th Street)
Engine 1 - 1921 to 1948
Truck 1 - 1921 to 1948
Built in 1921, the Central Fire Station would house Engine and Truck 1 together for the next 27 years. A first aid car would also respond from the location. The upper floors houses various offices of the Fire Department. The station would remain in service until about the time the new Central Fire Station began to be built. In 1948, Engine 1 would move to 1436 SW Montgomery while Truck 1 would move to 221 SW 2nd before moving into the new Central Fire Station. The responding engine from the new Central Fire Station would be Engine 21. The photo on the left shows the buidling in the mid to late 1940s. The sign on the front is promoting the new pension plan for firefighters that was approved by voters in November 1947. The photo on the right was likely taken soon after the station opened in 1921.
1724 SW 4th Avenue
(370 4th Street)
Engine 4 - 1885 to 1960
Truck 2 - 1888 to 1962
Tiger Engine Company #5 - 1873 to 1883
This station also came from the Volunteer Era. Opened as Tiger Engine Company 5, it was a direct result of the conflagration known as "Black Saturday" that destroyed 22 square blocks of the city on August 2, 1873. Not only were there not enough fire stations, but it was decided that the level of professionalism also lacked. While it would take ten years, the move from a volunteer department to a paid fire department was spawned from Black Saturday. The photo on the left shows Engine 4 and Hose 4, likely near the end of the 1900s. On the right is a newer version of the station built in 1915.
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8720 SW 30th Avenue
ENGINE 18
Engine 18 - 1961 to Present
Station 18 was built in 1961 under the Modernization program. The original fire protection from the area came from the Mulnomah Village Fire Department. In January 1926 the Multnomah Booster Club discussed what would happen if a fire started in the main business district. Just a few feet of fire hose was stored at the schoolhouse, and the nearest Portland fire station was miles away. They purchased 400 more feet of hose and negotiated for a hose cart and an electric siren. A volunteer fire department was formed and involved mostly businessmen. The fire equipment was stored at the Wilcox Garage (later Beardsley’s Garage) As the city of Portland annexed land to the west, Multnomah Village voted to become part of Portland in 1950. On August 1, 1951, the Mulnomah Fire Station began service as a Portland Fire station. Ten years later, the new station on SW 30th would be built. It has served continuously since that time with nothing more than a seismic upgrade in the late 1990s. The photo on the left shows the newly built station in 1961. On the right is a photo of it 47 years later in 2008.
SOUTHEAST PORTLAND
2235 SE Bybee Boulevard
ENGINE 20
Engine 20 - 1959 to Present
Station 20 was built in 1959 under the Modernization program. In the 1890's, Sellwood residents witnessed an epidemic of fires breaking out on vacant lots and out-buildings in the neighborhood - and they pleaded to local leaders for help. This resulted in the erection of a small fire station in the Sellwood area in 1895. Portland Fire would begin providing service to Sellwood in 1907 and in 1921, build a bungalow fire station at 8210 SE 13th Avenue. It would be replaced by the current day Station 20 in 1959, now located on SE Bybee Boulevard. The photo on the right show a 1959 Seagraves pumper that was also purchased under the Modernization Program Grant. On the right is a photo of the station in 2008.
600 SE Cherry Park Road, Troutdale
Engine 49 - 1984 to 1992
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 49, now Gresham Fire Department Station 75, came into Portland Fire & Rescue in 1984 when Fire District 10 and Portland would merge. In 1992, the city of Gresham would annex enough area to take possession of the station and equipment, making it part of the Gresham Fire Department from then forward. The photo shows the station shortly after the 1984 merger.
13310 SE Foster Road
ENGINE 29
Engine 29 - 2006 to Present
Engine 42 - 1984 to 2006
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 29 began as a Fire District 10 station. In 1984, Fire District 10 merged with Portland Fire and the station became Station 42. It would maintain that identity until 2006 when the entire numbering convention of Portland Stations was overhauled. It then became Engine 29. The photo on the left is in 1984, the photo on the right in 2008.
3350 SE Francis Street
(1000 Francis Avenue)
Engine 25 - 1912 to 1959
Station 25 was built in 1913. It was of a design shared by only a couple of stations. These stations were somewhat strategically located and were probably a district headquarters, providing administrative services to different segments of the fire department. The building was built for the service of horses, but transitioned into the motorized vehicle. It would remain in service until 1959 when it was replaced by the current Station 25 during the Modernization program. The building is now occupied by the Community Music Center. This is a program of Portland Parks and Recreation to bring music activities to the community. The photo on the left was taken arouind the time the station was built. On the right is a photo taken in 1959, about the time it closed.
11300 SE Fuller Road, Milwaukie
Engine 21 - 1986 to 1991
Clackamas Co. Fire Dist. 1 prior to 1986 and after 1991
This station would serve as Station 21 for five years. It entered the department in 1986 when Portland and Clackamas County Fire District 1 would enter into a contractual service agreement. CCFD1 would sever the contract in 1991 and the station would also leave. It is shown here in 2008 as a CCFD1 station.
1300 SE Gideon Street
FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE
Fire Marshal's Office - 2000 to Present
Around the year 2000, a solution to the fire marshal's office was needed. It had moved from the 3rd floor of the Central Fire Station to a building across the street at 10 SW Ash. As the contract lease ended, a new location was found at 1300 SE Gideon. The appealing nature of this building was that the back side of it was accessed from the property that made up the Portland Fire Logistics Center. It is also close to Station 23 on SE 13th Place. The photo shows the front side of the building with the old drill tower behind.
6600 SE Lake Road, Milwaukie
Engine 27 - 1986 to 1991
Clackamas Co. Fire Dist. 1 prior to 1986 and after 1991
This station would serve as Station 27 for five years. It entered the department in 1986 when Portland and Clackamas County Fire District 1 would enter into a contractual service agreement. CCFD1 would sever the contract in 1991 and the station would also leave. It is shown here in 2008 as a CCFD1 station.
5 SE Madison Street
ENGINE 21, FIREBOAT 21
Engine 21 - 2010 to Present
Fireboat 21 - 2010 to Present
Engine 7 - 1975 to 1990
Fireboat 1 - 1960 to 1982
Engine 29 - 1961 to 1973
Station 21 has had many different identities over the years. Built in 1961 as part of the Modernization program, it began service as Station 29. It would maintain this identity until 1975, at which time Station 7 closed and moved to Station 29. The 29 designation was mothballed for many years and the station would then house Engine 7. It also housed Fireboat 1 from its opening until 1982. From 1988 to 1990, it also served as the station that made up half of the Hazardous Materials Team (the other half being housed at Station 6/16). The station closed in 1990 and was used for various administrative purposes, like the EMS office. It would re-open in 2010 as Station 21 after being seismically upgraded. A new, floating boathouse would also accompany the station, bringing fireboat services back to the upper Willamette River. The top left photo shows the station in the early 1960s. The lower left photo shows the station in 2008. It is shown in the bottom right photo in 2015 after its most recent upgrade.
5211 SE Mall Street
ENGINE 25, TRUCK 25
Engine 25 - 1959 to Present
Truck 25 - 1984 to Present
Truck 10 - 1959 to 1984
Station 25 would begin service in 1959 as part of the Modernization program. As the city of Portland grew to the east, the fire department also expanded. This station replaced the previous Station 25 located at 35th and SE Francis Streets. Station 25 also housed Truck 10, which was changed to Truck 25 in 1984 when the numbering convention changed with the consolidation with Fire District #10. The station covers the Southeastern part of Portland to the edge of the Multnomah/Clackamas County line. The photo on the left was taken in the 1970s. On the right is an image from 2008.
1145 SE Powell Boulevard
(545 SE Powell Boulevard)
LOGISTICS CENTER
Logistics Center - 1975 to Present
Engine 11 - 1907 to 1928
In 1907, a fire station existed at this location. It served as quarters for Engine 11 from 1907 to 1928. In 1928, numerous bungalow fire stations had been built that rearranged station locations acorss the city, rendering this site unnecessary. Ownership of the property was maintained by the Fire Bureau and eventually a series of buildings would be built to serve the logistical needs of Portland Fire. This included the vehicle repair facility, wood shop, clothing issue, planning services, hose warehouse, and other services. In the center of the facility was a drill tower that served Station 23 at the opposite corner of the block. Built in 1962, it provided in-service firefighter training from 1962 until 1985. The left photo shows Station 11 in the early 1900s. The right photo shows hose and pump testing being conducted by Logistics personnel in the 2000s.
1036 SE Stark Street
Engine 7 - 1927 to 1975
Truck 4 - 1927 to 1975
Station 7 was built in 1927. It was unique in its design and configuration, indicating it may have been intended as a district headquarters or for other reasons. The station also housed Truck 4. It would eventually add an adjacent building that would serve as the auto shop for many years. This facility provided maintenance for all fire apparatus. As the fleet grew and the inner east side of Portland became more populated, the facility became too small. The station closed in 1975 and a new maintenance facility would be built at SE 13th and Powell Boulevard. Truck 4 would be reassigned to Station 23 and Engine 7 would move to the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge and replace what was formerly known as Engine 29. The station was beautifully remodeled and repurposed in the early 2000s by a company that works to restore old Portland buildings. The left photo shows it in the 1930s while the photo on the right is from the 2010s.
6049 SE Stark Street
(1599 SE Stark Street)
Engine 19 - 1911 to 1953
Station 19 was built in 1911 and would be the last wooden fire station to be built. From that point forward, all stations would be brick or stucco covered, most likely as part of an agenda to make them more fireproof in the event of a city-wide conflagration. This building would only house one engine company, Engine 19. In 1953, the new Station 19 would be built at 73rd and Burnside and this building would be sold into private service. Located high on Mt. Tabor, it has been thought that stations housing horses were located on high points of their response areas so they would most likely respond to fires downhill and be able to return to the station in a more leisurely way coming uphill. Today, Old Station 19 houses the Stark Street Station Coffee Shop. The photo on the left shows the station in the early 1900s. On the right is the same building in private ownership in 2007.
549 SE Water Avenue
(Foot of E Washington Street)
Fireboat 1 - 1905 to 1960
While this building no longer exists, it is part of the rich story of fireboats in the City of Portland. Built in 1905, it was home port for Portland's first fireboat, the George Williams (Fireboat 1) named for Portland's Mayor. It was a steam powered ship of 105 feet in length. It had two water tube boilers capable of 400 horsepower each. The photo on the left shows it throwing 14 streams of water at once. On the left is the land-based station for it.
302 SE 3rd Avenue
(40 E 3rd Avenue)
Engine 7 - 1891 to 1927
Truck 4 - 1907 to 1927
This station was built in 1891. It would serve as quarters for Engine 7 and Truck 4 until 1927 when the new Station 7 would open at 1036 SE Stark. The photo on the left shows the station in it's early years. On the right is Truck 4 with a three-horse team and crew of firefighters. The ladder truck is likely a Hayes, which was the manufacturer of choice for Portland's first trucks. The ladders were spring loaded to automatically raise when released, speeding up ladder raising evolutions.
1917 SE 7th Avenue
(367 E 7th Avenue)
Engine 23 - 1913 to 1962
Hose 3 - 1891 to 1912
Station 23 was first built in 1891. It would be re-built to its current design in 1912. This was a relatively standard design for the era, designed by then Battalion Chief Lee Holden. At one time, the homes adjacent to it on 7th Avenue were called "firefighters row." That was a row of private houses owned by the firefighters who worked there. This was said to be a larger number of homes than most stations but the concept was not uncommon. In the days before cars were common, people typically lived near their work. Firefighting was not a high paying job so many firefighters even lived in the fire station. Work schedules were 7 days a week with only 12 hours per week off (prior to 1908). In 1908, firefighters were rewarded with a full 24 hours off per week. On November 1, 1919, a second platoon was added that allowed firefighters one day on, one day off, a 72 hour work week. This would continue until 1948 when the pension reform added a third platoon for one day on, two days off, a 56 hour week. The schedule has remained similar to this day. Station 23 would close in 1962 when the new Station 23 was built at 2915 SE 13th Place. The photo on the left shows the crew, motorized apparatus, and station. On the right is crew members occupying their time while on shift.
2915 SE 13th Place
ENGINE 23
Engine 23 - 1962 to 2010 and 2017 to Present
Truck 23 - 1984 to 1985
Truck 4 - 1975 to 1984
Station 23 was built in 1962 as part of the Modernization program. In 1975, it was joined by Truck 4, which was re-named to Truck 23 in 1984 as part of the consolidation with Fire District #10. For many years, it served as the in-service training center for all new hires. New firefighters, beginning on their first day of work, would be responding firefighters. Training staff accompanied them on all calls as they built their skill base over their first year of employment. The drill grounds behind the station served the trainees. Training would be re-vamped in 1984, with all new hires being trained in an academy format for the first few months of service. Station 2 in Parkrose now serves as the training station. The basement of Station 23 began service in about 1980 as a Television studio for programs designed to train the 650+ members of the department. It would later be moved to the Station 2. The grounds around the station house the apparatus maintenance facility, the building maintenance services, and the fire marshal's office. Station 23 was mothballed in 2010, but has since been used to provide response services in different ways. The photo on the left shows the station in 1962 just after completion. On the right is the station in 2008.
8210 SE 13th Avenue
(1660 E 13th Street)
Engine 20 - 1910 to 1959
Hose 4 - 1907 to 1909
Sellwood Volunteers - 1895 to 1907
Station 20 began service to the Sellwood community in 1895, prior to being a part of the Portland Paid Fire Department. The Sellwood volunteers would join the department in 1907 and their station would house Hose Company #4 from 1907 to 1910. In 1910, Engine 20 would be stationed in the old building. The building that still sits on the site today was built in 1921 and was used until the new Station 20 was built in 1959. Once closed, it was occupied by the Boys & Girls Club for many decades. In 1990, the building was purchased by the Sellwood Moreland Improvement League neighborhood association (SMILE). The photo on the left shows the Sellwood station built in 1895 and in servcie until 2021. On the right is the bungalow station built in 1921 that served until 1959 when the new station at 2235 SE Bybee would be built.
1000 SE 34th Avenue
(180 E 34th Avenue)
Hose 5 - 1894 to 1897
Not much is known about this particular station. It may have originally been a volunteer station for the Belmont community as it was developing in the 1890s. Hose 5 would go into servce two blocks away at what would become Station 9 in 1897. The building does not exist today.
900 SE 35th Avenue
(162 E. 35th Street)
HISTORIC BELMONT FIREHOUSE
Safety Learning Center and Fire Museum - 2003 to Present
Engine 9 - 1912 to 2003
Truck 6 - 1928 to 1963
Engine 9 - 1904 to 1912
Hose 5 - 1897 to 1904
The Historic Belmont Firehouse originally housed Hose Company 5 beginning in 1897. It was originally a wooden structure that was replaced in 1912 with the current brick constructed building. It is more known for Engine 9, which served from 1904 until the building closed as a fire station in 2003. Damaged woodwork from a nervous fire horse still exists within the firehouse as testiment to it's horse-drawn history. When the new Station 9 was built on Cesar Chavez Boulevard, this building was developed as the Safety Learning Center and interpretive center for the history of Portland Fire & Rescue's rich history. It remains a valued part of the Belmont community. The top photo shows the wooden construction of the original building. The bottom left photo shows the brick construction. On the right is the current image of the station as the Historic Belmont Firehouse.
1706 SE Cesar Chavez Boulevard
(1706 SE 39th Avenue)
ENGINE 9
Engine 9 - 2003 to Present
Station 9 was built in 2003 as a replacement for the fire station on Belmont Street that would become the Historic Belmont Firehouse. It continues the tradition of service in the community that started in 1894 at SE 34th and Yamhill. It would evolve from Hose Company #5 to Engine 9. The photo shows the station in 2008, 5 years after it went into service.
5905 SE 43rd Avenue
Engine 11 - 1928 to 1956
Engine 11 would be located in the Woodstock community in 1928. The bungalow fire station was part of the city's growth to the east during that time period. Many bungalow fire stations were built because they would most neatly blend into the surrounding residential community. Their house-like appearance included apparatus doors with windows draped with curtains on the inside and flower boxes on the outside. Hose towers were disguised by being partially in a pit at the bottom, and terminating at the top in a dormer. Engine 11 would remain in this location until 1956 when this station would close. Engine 11 would remain dormant for a few years until re-appearing in the Lents district. The photo on the left shows the station soon after it went into service. On the right is a photo from 2008 as the Woodstock Community Center.
4530 SE 67th Avenue
Portland Firefighters Association - 1986 to Present
Engine 31 - 1913 to 1959
Station 31 was originally built in 1913. the wooden structure would be replaced in 1927 with a bungalow station that would remain in service until the Modernization Program (1959) moved and replaced fire stations across the city. The building would go into private ownership for many years before being purchased by the Portland Firefighter's Association in 1986 to be used as the headquarters for their labor union. The Portland Firefighters Association would vacate this station and move to a new location in January 2022. The photo on the left shows the original wooden building while the photo on the right shows the bungalow design.
5707 SE 92nd Avenue
ENGINE 11
Engine 11 - 1960 to Present
Engine 35 - 1946 to 1960
Engine 37 - 1928 to 1946
The Station 11 you see today has served in the Lents District since the volunteer era. This site was occupied by Portland Fire from 1928 to 1946 with Engine 37 and 1946 to 1960 with Engine 35. The early days of Engine 11 had it coming into service in 1908 at 11th and SE Powell (the Logistics Center). In 1928, Engine 11 moved to the Woodstock District at 43rd and Woodstock. It would remain there until 1956. The number 11 took a four year hiatus then re-appeared at this location in 1960 and has served until today. It began life as a bungalow station but has since undergone much revision. But underneath the newer exterior sits much of the original architecture of the Portland Fire Bungalow station. The photo on the left shows the station in the 1970s. On the right, is a photo from 2008.
1500 SE 122nd Avenue
ENGINE 7, TRUCK 7
Engine 7 - 2006 to Present
Truck 7 - 2006 to Present
Engine 41 - 1984 to 2006
Truck 41 - 1984 to 2006
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 7 began as a Fire District 10 station and a headquarters for that department. In 1984, Fire District 10 merged with Portland Fire and it became Station 41. It would maintain that identity until 2006 when the entire numbering convention of Portland Stations was overhauled. It then became Engine 7. The Truck number would change to match the Engine. In recent years, it has been home to the Hazardous Materials Team. The photo on the left shows the station in 1984, soon after the merger. On the right is a photo from 2008.
1927 SE 174th Avenue
ENGINE 31
Engine 31 -2007 to Present
Co-Staffing with Gresham Fire Dept.
Engine 45 - 1984 to 2007
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 31 began as a Fire District 10 station. In 1984, Fire District 10 merged with Portland Fire and the station became Station 45. It would maintain that identity until 2006 when the entire numbering convention of Portland Stations was overhauled. It then became Engine 31. Because this station sits on the street that is the dividing line between the City of Portland and the City of Gresham, it is co-staffed by the two fire departments. Because some 60% of the responses are to the Portland side of the boundary, 2 of the 3 shifts are staffed by Portland Firefighters. The third shift is staffed by Gresham Firefighters. The station and equipment, however, are the property of Portland Fire & Rescue. The photo on the left was taken in 1984. On the right is a photo from 2008.
645 SE 223rd Avenue, Gresham
Engine 46 - 1984 to 1986
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 46 used to exist in this rather non-descript building. It has since been converted to many different retail configurations, making it hardly recognizable as a former fire station. It came into Portland Fire & Rescue in 1984 when Fire District 10 and Portland would merge. But by 1986, it was deemed unnecessary and closed its doors for good. The photo was taken in 2008 but the building has since been demolished.
7144 SE 302nd Avenue, Gresham
Engine 47 - 1984 to 1984
District 10 prior to 1984
Station 47 came into Portland Fire & Rescue in 1984 when Fire District 10 and Portland would merge. Not much more than a year passed when the city of Gresham would annex enough area to take possession of the station and equipment, making it part of the Gresham Fire Department from then forward. Gresham has since built a new station across Orient Drive from it. Its future is now unknown. This photo is from 1984, soon after the merger.
PF&R HERITAGE SITES
Portland boasts several fire heritage sites, each with a unique and historic story. These sites are described below. A brief summary of each site is provided here but explore this site for more information on each.
David Campbell Memorial &
Portland Firefighter Park
1928 to Present
David Campbell was Chief of the Portland Fire Department from 1895 to 1896. He was removed from his position due to political differences with the mayor. The following year, in 1896, a new administration was installed at city hall and Campbell was again promoted to Chief. He served continuously until his line of duty death on June 26, 1911. He was 47 years old. Campbell was very popular with the rank and file and with the citizens of Portland. His death rocked the city and his funeral procession was said to be the largest in the history of the city of Portland. While he was not the first Portland Firefighter to die in the line of duty, his death inspired a memorial to firefighters who would die in the line of duty. It would take 17 years, but on June 28, 1928, the memorial was unveiled to the citizens of Portland. It consists of a stone terrace and a limestone cenotaph on which a bronze bas-relief of Chief Campbell is displayed. The bas-relief shows Campbell in his uniform and holding his Chief's helmet in his hand. The sculpture was done by Avard Tennyson Fairbanks in 1927. He was the professor of sculpture at the University of Oregon. It is mounted on a stone slab above a fountain and pool. These features were designed by Paul Cret, a world renowned architect recommended by an ex-student who was a Portland architect. A legend is mounted above the fountain stating "Erected by many friends in honor of David Campbell, Chief of the Portland Fire Department 1895 to 1911, who lost his life in the performance of his duty June 26, 1911. Greater Love Hath No Man Than This." It cost $35,000 to build, all coming from private donations.
A grassy, triangular park on the east side of the "David Campbell Memorial" plaza is called "Portland Firefighter Park." In 1963, the Portland Junior Chamber of Commerce, with the assistance of the Oregon chapter of the American Institute of Architects and local businesses and labor unions, lobbied the city to create a strip of park along the east side of the monument. The work of narrowing 18th Avenue was completed the next year and succeeded in providing a small amount of open space adjacent to the monument as it became choked by ever-increasing traffic. The space was named Portland Firefighters Park. It boasts a large bell which once hung in the bell tower of Station 1. It was purchased after "Black Saturday," the Portland fire of August 2, 1873 which leveled 22 square blocks of the city. The bell weighs 4,200 pounds, 800 of which are pure silver. When rung, it could be heard all the way to Oregon City, 13 miles away. Not long after the bell arrived, a fire alarm telegraph system would begin to cover the city, rendering the bell nearly obsolete before it ever saw significant use.
Firefighter's Section - Lone Fir Cemetery
1862 to Present
Lone Fir Cemetary was established in the early 1850s on the farthest NE corner of Colburn Barrell's farm land. It was set aside at the request of the original land settler, James B. Stephens. His deal with Barrell was that his parents would be buried there. The site would eventually become Lone Fir Cemetery.
On November 16, 1862, Colburn Barrell donated Block 5, a 100 foot by 100 foot section of the cemetery, for exclusive use of Portland Firefighters. History does not tell us why he made this generous gesture, his name does not show up on any volunteer rosters, and his gift was well before the first known firefighter line of duty death.
The first burial would occur in 1864. Since that time, and as of January 1, 2021, 142 burials have occurred in the Firefigher's Section. It includes 137 Portland Fire personnel, 4 spouses of members, and one child of a member. In all, twelve members who died in the line of duty rest in the Firefighter's Section. Also, the first firefighter (James Reed) known in Oregon to have died in the line of duty is interred there.
Lone Fir Cemetery, as a whole, has received varying levels of care over the decades. The Firefighter's Section has also had its ups and downs. It was somewhat forgotten after World War II because so many dying firefighters chose Willamette National Cemetery, due to their military service. Since the regional government organization Metro took over the cemetery administration, Lone Fir, overall, has received better care. the Portland Firefighters Association has since stepped up to better caretake the Firefighter's Section. It is a beautiful location inside the 30.5 acres of the overall cemetery.
To find the Firefighter's Section, enter Lone Fir Cemetery on the east side roadway coming from 601 SE 26th Avenue. Follow the main road west until it ends, then turn right. The next intersection will find the Firefighter's Section on the right. It can be identified by the flagpole and garden at it's center. In the garden is a sign identifying the site. Block markers will indicate Block 5.
Historic Belmont Firehouse
Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum
2003 to Present
The Historic Belmont Firehouse was shared as former Engine 9. In 2003, the station would be vacated when the new Station 9 was completed. This opened the door for its development as a Safety Learning Center (SLC) and Fire Museum (FM).
The SLC was developed as an efficient means of conveying fire and life safety information and education to the public. Using the backdrop of a 1912 fire station allowed the facility to exist in an interesting and unique setting. The historic artifacts, stories, images, and the station itself were used to create timelines of Portland Fire History. Tools and equipment that have been used by Portland Firefighters since 1853 are on display. These are the tools and technology that exist to provide for citizen safety, so each has a message to the public. Images are framed in ladders that make timelines of how equipment and members have evolved over the decades. The station itself, which was built in the horse-drawn era, retains features of the original building alongside the upgrades necessary to keep it operational up to the 21st century.
While the building is filled with historic materials, it was not developed to be a "museum." Every element within the building is designed as a teaching adjunct, yet it can be entertaining as a trip back in time, making the facility very versitile. The developer of the facility touts it as "the greatest fire and life safety teaching tool I ever had."
The Historic Belmont Fireshouse can be found at the corner of SE 35th Avenue and Belmont Street in the Belmont Business District.
