Last Resort Fire Museum

 

5/15/25 Seattle Fire Department Headquarters and Last Resort Fire Museum, Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square, where some of Seattle’s oldest buildings stand, is an apt home for the Last Resort Fire Museum. Housed within Seattle Fire Department’s Headquarters and Fire Station 10, the free museum holds a fascinating collection of historic fire rigs, other fire-fighting apparatus, old photos and vintage artifacts. Used in 1907, the oldest truck was originally a horse-drawn steam pumper that was eventually motorized. Although no longer in service, the vintage rigs are maintained so that they could, in fact, be used if needed in a pinch; hence, the museum’s name.

In the drizzle during the throwdown outside, I discovered that this Pilot brush pen's ink isn't as waterproof as I thought it was!

Staying dry and comfy on a cool, drizzly day, USk Seattle had a challenging time figuring out ways to squeeze the enormous rigs into our sketch pages. I kept trying to back up in the crowded museum so that I could get enough distance to see entire rigs, but that was usually impossible, so I focused on capturing small pieces of what I saw.

Thanks to Kate for discovering this gem of Seattle fire service history for USk Seattle. Supported by volunteers, the non-profit, free museum appreciates donations.