This morning, young students from The International School visited a remarkable facility known at the "Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum."

Located at the Historic Belmont Firehouse in SE Portland and brought to the community by the Jeff Morris Fire & Life Safety Foundation and Portland Fire & Rescue, the Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum is not your traditional museum.  The Safety Learning Center’s mission is to share the rich history and heritage of the fire service in Portland, Oregon and promote fire and life safety education for each and every guest.

Fire Inspector Specialist Scott was on hand to talk about how to be fire safe at home, letting the students know that smoke alarms and home fire escape plans save their lives. Scott also talked about the history of the Belmont Firehouse, from the first wood-frame structure built in 1898 to the current brick firehouse that was completed in July 1912. The students were excited to learn that right where they were sitting used to be the stalls where 10 fire horses were housed!

After the fire safety talk and history lesson, students were then treated to a tour of the fire museum.  Students were encouraged to ask questions and touch the fire bells, hoses, steam fire engine, telegraph system, and most impressive, a 2004 fire engine cab converted to a unique simulator called "The Fire Engine Experience."

To learn more about the Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum or to schedule a tour, visit http://www.jeffmorrisfoundation.org/safety-center/index.php.

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   February 7, 2011 

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