Portland Fire Department (Maine)

==Area Served==
The Portland Fire Department (PFD) provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the historic New England seafaring city of Portland, the seat of Cumberland County, in Maine. Portland is situated on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is named after the English Isle of Portland. Incorporated on July 4, 1786, the city encompasses an area covering 69.44 square miles and serves a population of approximately 68,408. Portland is bordered by the town of Falmouth to the north, Casco Bay to the northeast, the City of South Portland across the Fore River to the east, and the City of Westbrook to the west. 
===Mutual Aid===
The Portland Fire Department has mutual aid agreements with the Falmouth Fire Department, the South Portland Fire Department, and the Westbrook Fire Department. 
==Department Profile==
The Portland Fire Department is budgeted for 228 paid, professional firefighters in addition to civilian staff of administrative and support personnel, providing structural firefighting, emergency medical services (EMS), advanced life support (ALS), technical rescue, hazardous materials response, marine rescue, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), fire prevention, fire investigation, code enforcement, disaster preparedness, and public education to the citizens of Portland. Daily staffing consists of 53 on-duty personnel, in addition, PFD has "on-call" firefighters on four islands in Casco Bay surrounding the city of Portland; Peaks Island; Great Diamond Island; Cushing Island; and Cliff Island. PFD responded to 18,486 calls for service in 2022, the majority of which are medical calls. 
== Fleet==
Currently, PFD is comprised of the following resources: 
*9 Engine Companies (including 4 Unstaffed/Call companies on the islands)
*5 Ladder Companies
**2 100' rear-mounts
**2 105' rear-mounts
** 1 107' rear-mount
*1 Rescue Company
*1 Confined Space Rescue unit
*1 Hazardous Materials response Company
*1 Prime Mover
*1 Wildland All Terrain Vehicle
*3 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Companies
*8 Ambulances
* 2 Wheelchair service units
*2 Fire Boats
*1 Personal Watercraft
*
==History==
The Portland Fire Department can trace its' roots back to 1768, when the first five "Fire Wards'" in the city were appointed. In 1787, Portland's first organized Fire Company was formed and was named the "Neptune". More companies followed: "Vigilant" in 1794, "Cataract", "Portland", "Extinguisher", and later the "Alert". Hand Engines came into service starting with the "Deluge" in 1827 and the "Hydraulion" and "Niagara" in 1830. And in 1827 the "Washington Hook and Ladder" became the City's first Ladder Company. 
In 1831 the Portland Fire department was officially established by the Legislature. With increasing fires the Fire Companies became better organized leading to a numbering system starting in 1835.
In November 1859 Portland's "Machigonne 1," a First-size Amoskeag, became the first steam engine in the City. On November 21 it also became the first Engine to respond as a permanent manned piece. A second steam Engine was placed in service in 1861, the "Falmouth Steam Fire Engine 2" and assigned to Congress St. at Smith St., but due to it's weight and mechanical problems it was out of service more often than in service. In 1862 the "Cumberland Steam Fire Engine Number 3" became the next commissioned steamer for the City of Portland and was stationed in the City's West End at 176 Brackett Street. The Portland Co. built the next steamer in 1864, which was placed in service on Congress St. along with Ladder 1 as the "Casco Steam Fire Engine Number 5". The Steam Engines proved very useful to the PFD with Companies requiring only 15-20 men per company as compared to the 60 needed for the Hand Tubs. Even though the Steam Engines were well built, they required mechanically skilled Engineers at the Stations 24 hours a day.
On July 4, 1866, Portland was devastated by a fire that destroyed a third of the City. Mutual Aid was received from cities as far away as Boston, Massachusetts as the fire spread through the city. The next morning, 2 people were dead, 1500 buildings, including 3 Fire Houses, were destroyed and 10,000 people were left homeless.
The City and the PFD rebuilt after the fire. New stations were built, Congress St. and Market in 1866, and India St. in 1867. The PFD put the Alarm Division into operation in March of 1867. New Companies were formed, Eagle Ladder Co. 2 in 1874, Hose Co. 6 in 1881, Bramhall Ladder Co. 3 in 1883, Chemical 1 in 1892, and 1894 the PFD commissioned Engine Seven Fireboat. The Fireboat was fitted with a steam engine capable of discharging 1,800 GPM, and quartered at the Portland Pier from where it protected the City's busy waterfront.
By the late 1890s Portland's Fire department had become a well-respected Fire Department, well known throughout the North East for its skill in battling major fires and for its high fire activity. In 1899 Portland annexed the City of Deering, with that the entire firefighting force of Deering was incorporated into the PFD.
1915 brought change to the PFD again. This time it was motorized equipment. Chief Butler began with a motorized Chief's car followed by a Deputy Chief's car in 1916. 1916 also brought the first motorized apparatus, Hose 8. Ladder 5 and Engine 1 in 1917, Chemical 1 in 1918, Ladder 3 in 1919, and Engine 4 in 1920. 14 years after it began the PFD became completely motorized with the purchase of Engine 6, a 1929 Mack triple combination pumper.
The 1930s through the 1960s brought steady change for the PFD. Engine 7 Fireboat was replaced with a new "City of Portland" which had a pumping capacity of 6,000 gallons per minute (GPM). Ladder 3 became the PFD's first steel Aerial in 1936. 1938 saw the creation of the Fire Prevention Bureau. Rescue 1 went onto service in 1943, and in 1963 Portland's Bravest were the stars in a movie about Firefighters called "24 Hours".
The 1970s and 1980's were a busy time for the PFD, as was it for many Fire Departments across the Country. With fire calls up the PFD put its first Snorkel into service in 1970. Air Rescue units were added in 1973, and in 1975 the Medical Crisis Unit (Medcu) was formed as a part of the Fire Department to handle the increasing need for EMS in Portland.
In 1990, the PFD added a third Medcu unit, and in 1993 the "Joseph C. Cavallaro.", a 42 feet Duffy, went into service as a Rescue boat for the waterfront and Portland's Coastal Islands.
In 1996, Medcu and the Portland Firefighters became one. Both were now grouped into one union, the IAFF Local 740. Paramedics were cross-trained to become Firefighters. Most Firefighters are now licensed EMTs, and a group of Firefighters that are currently licensed Paramedics will be cross trained to possibly form a Paramedic Engine Company.https://www.portlandmaine.gov/231/Fire-Department-History
===Stations===
Station 	Address 	In Service	Notes
Deering Avenue Fire Station	536 Deering Avenue	1907-1967 	
Spring Street Fire Station 	157 Spring Street 	 	Former Quarters of Engine 4, now the Portland Fire Museum
==Apparatus Roster==
All pump/tank measurements are in US gallons.
===Munjoy Hill Fire Station - 134 Congress Street (East End)===
:Ladder 1 - 2017 Seagrave Marauder II (1500/500/100' rear-mount)
:Ladder 5 (Reserve) - 2013 Seagrave Marauder II (1500/400/100' rear-mount) (Ex-Ladder 3, ex-Ladder 12)
:Medcu 1 (ALS) - 2018 Ford E-450 / Braun Chief XL ambulance
===Stevens Avenue Fire Station - 212 Stevens Avenue (Rosemont)===
:Ladder 3 - 2022 Pierce Enforcer 7000 6x4 (1500/400/107' Ascendant rear-mount) (SN#36653)
:Medcu 3 (ALS) - 2016 Chevrolet Express 4500 / Braun ambulance
===Allens Avenue Fire Station - 386 Allen Avenue (North Deering)===
:Ladder 4 - 2000 Pierce Dash 2000 6x4 all-steer / 2020 Pierce refurb (2000/500/105' rear-mount) (SN#11764)
:Medcu 4 (ALS) - 2020 Ford E-450 / Braun ambulance
===Central Fire Station / Fire Headquarters - 380 Congress Street (Downtown)===
Built 1924
:Engine 5 - 2022 Pierce Enforcer 7010 (1500/700/25F) (SN#36652-01)
:Medcu 5 (ALS) - 2013 Chevrolet Express 4500 / 2014 Braun ambulance
:Car 9 - (EMS Supervisor) - 2015 Ford Police Interceptor Utility
:Car 55 (EMS Fly Car) - 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility
:Wheelchair 2 (wheelchair Service unit) - 2004 Ford / National
:Engine 2 (Reserve) - 2011 Seagrave Marauder II (1500/500/20A)
:Engine 7 (Reserve) - 2001 Pierce Enforcer (1250/750) (SN#12519) (Ex-Engine 1)
:Medcu 8 (Reserve) - 2009 Ford E-450 / 2011 Braun ambulance
:Medcu 9 (Reserve) - 2013 Chevrolet Express 4500 / 2014 Braun ambulance (Ex-Medcu 3)
===Bramhall Fire Station - 784 Congress Street (West End)=== 
:Engine 6 - 2022 Pierce Enforcer 7010 (1500/700/25F) (SN#36652-02)
:Ladder 6 - 2011 Pierce Velocity 7010 6x4 (2000/500/105' rear-mount) (SN#24200) (Ex-Rockford Fire Department (Illinois), acquired 2019)
:Rescue 1 "Citywide" - 2019 Pierce Enforcer 6x4 walk-around (SN#33449)
:Medcu 6 (ALS) - 2021 Ford F-450 / Braun ambulance
:Car 5 (Deputy Chief) - 2020 Ford Expedition
:Haz-Mat. Unit 1 - 2005 Chevrolet Kodiak C7500 23' box truck w/ hydraulic ramp
:Confined Space Rescue Unit 1 - 1995 Ford E-350 / PL Custom (Ex-Medcu 5, ex-Medcu 8, ex-Medcu 9)
:Service Truck 2 - 1993 GMC Sierra crew cab
:Engine 2 (Reserve) - 2000 Pierce Dash 2000 (1500/750) (SN#11287) (Ex-Engine 6)
:Car 5 (Reserve Deputy Chief) - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4
===Forest Avenue Fire Station - 1600 Forest Avenue (Riverton)=== 
:Engine 9 - 2011 Seagrave Marauder II (1500/500/20F) (Ex-Engine 4)
:Prime Mover 1 - 2007 GMC 3500 extended cab
:Wheelchair 1 (wheelchair Service unit) - 2008 Ford E-350 / National
:Engine 10 (Reserve) - 1999 Pierce Saber (1500/750) (SN#10636 / SN#ED636) (Ex-Engine 11)
===Ocean Avenue Fire Station - 580 Ocean Avenue (East Deering)=== 
:Engine 11 - 2020 Pierce Velocity (1500/750) (SN#34142)
===Peaks Island Fire Station - 129 Island Avenue ===
2 Public Safety Officers 24/7, and 5 dedicated FF's plus Lt. and Deputy Chief on the mainland 
:Engine 12 - 2004 Kenworth T300 / Pierce Contender (1250/1000) (SN#15159-01 or 02)
:Engine 17 - 1992 Pierce Arrow (1500/750) (SN#E6652)
:Ladder 12 - 2001 Seagrave Marauder (1500/500/75' Meanstick rear-mount) (Ex-Salt Lake City Fire Department, acquired 2024)
:Ambulance 12 - 2014 Ford E-450 4x4 / Braun / Quigley conversion
=== Great Diamond Island Fire Station - 4 Diamond Avenue===
Unstaffed/Call 
:Engine 13 - 1996 E-One Cyclone II  (1250/750) (Ex-Engine 2)
:Tank 13 - 1989 Pierce Arrow (1500/500) (SN#E4644) (Ex-Engine 5)
:Forestry 13 - 2004 Kawasaki Mule 3010 4X4 ATV
:Ambulance 13 - 2017 Chevrolet / Braun
===Cushing Island Fire Station - Shore Road===
Unstaffed/Call 
:Engine 14 - 1980 Mack MC (1000/750) (Ex-Windham Fire Department (Maine))
===Cliff Island Fire Station - Church Road===
Unstaffed/Call
:Engine 15 - 2004 Kenworth T300 / Pierce Contender (1250/1000) (SN#15159-02 or 01)
:Tank 15 - 1990 Mack Midliner / American (1000/750) (Ex-Saco Fire Department)
:Medcu 15 (ALS) - 2017 Chevrolet / Braun ambulance
===Little Diamond Island Fire Station - Cityview Road===
Unstaffed/Call 
:Engine 16 - 1988 Ford F-350 4x4 / 1978 Saulsbury (350/300) (Ex-Engine 314) (Ex-Haddam Volunteer Fire Company)
=== Marine Division - 54 Commercial Street (Maine State Pier, Downtown)===
1 officer/2 FF's on duty 24/7, cross staffed by crew of Engine 7 for major incidents 
:Marine 1 "City of Portland IV" - 2009 AF Theriault 65' fireboat (3000/-) 
:Marine 2 "Joseph C. Cavalloro Jr." - 1992 Duffy 42' / 540 HP rescue boat 
====Cliff Island====
:Marine 3 - 1994 Kawasaki PWC w/portable pump
===Air Rescue Division - 1001 Westbrook Street (Portland International Jetport) ===
Built 1973 
:Red 1 (Deputy Chief) - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4
:Red 2 - 2011 Ford F-550 Super Cab / 1990 E-One RIV (ME#421-829)
:Red 3 - 2019 Rosenbauer Panther 4x4 crash tender (2100/1600/500 lbs. DC)
:Red 4 - 2001 Oshkosh TI-1500 4x4 crash tender (1250/3000/450AFFF/500 lbs. Halon/55' Snozzle)
===Unknown Station / Assignment=== 
:Hazmat 1 - 2007 Spartan / Hackney walk-around rescue (ex-Brunswick Fire Department (Maine))
:2017 Ford E-450 / Braun ambulance (Ex-Medcu 7)
:2015 Chevrolet Express 4500 / Braun ambulance (Ex-Medcu 4)
:2000 Pierce Dash pumper (1500/1000/20A/20B) (SN#10882-03) (Ex-Engine 11) (Ex-Little York Volunteer Fire Department (Texas), purchased 2009)
:1998 Pierce Dash 2000 aerial (1500/400/75' rear-mount) (SN#EB519) (Ex-Ladder 3, ex-Ladder 12)
:1990 Mack MS / American pumper (1250/750) (Ex-Saco Fire Department)
==Retired Apparatus==
:2004 Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Medcu 3)
:2004 Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Medcu 13)
:2003 Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Medcu 4)
:2001 Pierce Dash 2000 aerial (-/-/105' rear-mount ladder) (SN#12520) (Ex-Ladder 6)
:1999 Chevrolet Tahoe (Ex-Car 2)
:1999 Freightliner FL 80 / PL Custom rescue (Ex-Rescue 1)
:1999 Ford E-450 / PL Custom ambulance (Ex-Medcu 6)
:1999 Ford E-450 / PL Custom ambulance (Ex-Medcu 7)
:1999 Ford E-450 / PL Custom ambulance (Ex-Medcu 15)
: 1989 Oshkosh T-3000 6x6 crash tender (1500/3000/450F/55' Snozzle) (Ex-Red 5 Reserve, ex-Red 3)
:1998 Pierce Dash 2000 pumper (1500/750) (SN#EB520) (Ex-Engine 9, ex-Engine 2)
:1995 Ford F-700 (Ex-Unit 62)
:1995 Chevrolet Lumina (Ex-Red 1)
:1994 GMC 4x4 / E-One rapid intervention vehicle
:1994 Pierce Lance aerial (2000/500/105' rear-mount) (SN#E8730) (Ex-Ladder 5, ex-?, acquired 2009)
:1993 Pierce Arrow aerial (-/-/85' Snorkel) (SN#E7650) (2005 refurb) (Ex-Ladder 1)
: 1992 Chevrolet 3500 RIV (450PK) (Ex-Red 3)
:1989 Pierce Arrow aerial (1500/300/105' rear-mount ladder) (SN#E4919) (Ex-Ladder 5) (Sold to Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department)
:1987 Ford Type 2 ambulance (Ex-Medcu 12)
:1987 Ford E-350 / PL Custom ambulance (Ex-Medcu 15)
:1986 Ford E-350 / PL Custom ambulance (Ex-Medcu 13)
:1983 American LaFrance aerial (rear-mount ladder) (Ex-Ladder 12)
:1979 Chevrolet C70 / FMC pumper (1000/500) (Ex-Tank 12)
: 1977 Mack CF pumper (1000/300) (Ex-Engine 13)
: 1977 Walter CT4 4x4 crash tender (1500/1500/200AFFF/52' Snozzle, 750 tip and 300 bumper turret) (Ex-Red 5 Reserve, ex-Red 4)
:1977? Ward LaFrance Ambassador pumper
:1973 International / Middlesex pumper (500/750) (Ex-Tank 14)
:1972 Ford C-800 / Bean pumper (750/750) (Ex-Tank 13)
:1970 American LaFrance 900 snorkel (-/-/80' rear-mount) (SN#14-1-2080) (Ex-Truck 1)
:1968 Ward LaFrance 80 pumper (1000/500) (SN#80-252) (Ex-Engine 5)
:1966 Mack C95 pumper (1000/1000) (Ex-Tank 15)
:1963 Howe pumper (1000/500)
:1963 American LaFrance pumper (1000/300)
:1959 General Ship Company 65' fireboat (Ex-Engine 7 "City of Portland III")
:1938 McCann pumper
:1935 Seagrave aerial (mid-mount ladder) (Ex-Ladder 1)
:1931 Rice Brothers 90' fireboat (Ex-"City of Portland II")
:1909 McCann horse-drawn hose wagon
:ca. 1859 Amoskeag 1st size steam pumper
:1850 Crockett hand-drawn pumper
:1835 Thayer hand-drawn pumper
:1801 Baldwin hand-drawn pumper
==External Links==
*Portland Fire Department
*Portland Professional Fire Fighters (IAFF Local 740)
==References==
==Station Map==
Category:Cumberland County, Maine
Category:Airport Fire Departments (Maine)
Category:Departments operating American apparatus
Category:Maine departments operating E-One apparatus
Category:Departments operating Oshkosh apparatus
Category:Maine departments operating Pierce apparatus
Category:Maine departments operating Rosenbauer apparatus
Category:Maine departments operating Saulsbury apparatus
Category:Maine departments operating Seagrave apparatus
Category:Former operators of American LaFrance apparatus
Category:Former operators of Amoskeag apparatus
Category:Former operators of FMC / Bean apparatus
Category:Former operators of Howe apparatus
Category:Former operators of Middlesex apparatus‎
Category:Former operators of McCann apparatus
Category:Former operators of Walter apparatus
Category:Former operators of Ward LaFrance apparatus