Residents from the Rock Creek Retirement Community visited the Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum, located at the Historic Belmont Firehouse at 900 SE 35th Avenue this afternoon for a tour and picnic lunch!

Senior Fire Inspector Don and Fire Inspector Specialist Scott were on hand to give the residents a special tour of the museum.  Don and Scott provided background into the Fire Bureau’s rich history, and explained the uses of featured items including a 1879 Amokeag Class 4 Steam Pumper, a 1860 Hose Cart, a 1863 Hand Pumper, a station gong bell, fire alarm boxes, various antique ladders constructed by Portland Fire’s Wood Shop, firefighting protective clothing and helmets wore through the years, a hand-made card table dating back to the early 1900s, a circa 1865 roster board from Multnomah Engine Company #2, an early 1900s apparatus bell, and an extensive collection of photos, stories, and safety tips. 

Before lunch, residents climbed inside "The Fire Engine Experience," an emergency response simulator that offers an immersive ride along experience in a real America LaFrance Eagle Fire Engine cab.

Residents, along with their tour guides, had worked up an appetite and where ready to enjoy their picnic lunch of chicken, potato salad, strawberries, hard-boiled eggs, pretzels, cookies, and kettle-corn.

Schedule a Visit at the Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum

School field trips, scouting troops, senior outings and history buffs are just a few of the groups that have enjoyed this experience. You are welcome to call (503) 823-3615 or email BelmontFire@portlandoregon.gov to schedule a visit or for more information. The firehouse can also hold parties, luncheons and other social gatherings.

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   February 16, 2011

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