PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — On August 2, 1853, Portland Fire & Rescue began its service to the City of Portland. Just 19 years later, the “Black Saturday” fire destroyed 22 blocks of the city which led to the iconic Messenger Bell going into service.
And on this August 2, Portland Fire Station 15 celebrated 100 years of service at the bungalow fire station at 1920 SW Spring Street.
Over the past century, the nature of fighting fires and what firefighters do has evolved quite a bit. There are fewer fires now than before, in part because of stronger fire codes and more modern buildings.
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