Historic Portland firefighting museum opens Saturday

Public is invited to grand opening of the new museum next to Fire Station 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 3.

The new downtown Portland Fire Historic Museum will open to the public Saturday.

The museum is located adjacent to Fire Station 1 and next door to Portland's Saturday Market at 55 S.W. Ash Street. The grand opening is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 3.

In contrast to the Historic Belmont Firehouse Learning Center located at 900 S.E. 35th Ave., the new museum focuses on the history of firefighting equipment and vehicles. Many pieces have been painstakingly restored by a small, very dedicated team of retired firefighters. They include historic fire engines and related equipment.

Saturday visitors can also interact with AT&T's "It Can Wait" simulator and learn about the dangers of texting and driving.