Portland Fire Dept-Central Station

04/03/2026

The City of Portland is celebrating a major milestone today as Captain Curt Magnuson works his last shift at Central. Tomorrow he retires after 33 years of exceptional service. As the House Captain at Central for the last 11 years, Captain Magnuson has been an outstanding leader, providing visionary guidance and an unwavering commitment to the department, leaving a lasting legacy in the city. We wish you a long well-deserved retirement. The coffee will always be on.

Tag any fire service pictures of Captain Magnuson in the comments

04/26/2024

Portland Fire Department. 380 Congress Street. Portland, Maine. 1869.

Casco #5 was a Portland Company built, steam fire engine, manufactured in 1866.

This engine served as the Fire Department's 6th steam engine. It cost $4,500.00, weighed 6,800 pounds, and was the inaugural engine to sport the new Portland Company boiler.

The engine is shown in 1869 in front of the old central fire station at Congress and Market streets.

Image courtesy of the Maine Historical Society.

12/24/2023

"Twas the night before Christmas at the PFD"

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Fire House,
All the firefighters were settled, no fires to douse.
The turnout gear was hung on the trucks with care,
In hopes that the dragon would stay in his lair.
With thoughts of their families and Santa Claus overhead,
They made their phone calls to their children before bed.
I spoke to my family as I laid in my bunk,
They told me “stay safe” but then my heart made a jump.
The set opened up and the speakers did clatter,
So I sprang from my bed to see what's the matter.
Away to the truck I flew like a flash,
I slid down the pole and started my dash.
Make way for the trucks, the air horn splits the night,
As shadows danced from chrome and spinning lights.
When what to my wondering eyes did appear
But the red demon I hate but love when appears
The radio blared with confident voices
“I have command, send in the forces”
So I donned my gear and grabbed my tool,
Our movement’s intent was to quench and to cool.
We fought the inferno and made safe the whole night.
The Captain was pleased as he queued up the mic,
Now Rescue, now Ladder, now Engine and Medcu!
Your efforts were valiant, good work to the crew!
Now off to our stations to restock and rest up
It's early still yet, and the bells may not stop.
So dash away! Dash away, dash away all!
Back to the Hill, Central and Bramhall,
To Rosemont, the Deerings, Marine and Jetport
Rest up everyone, may your calls be short.
To Cliff, the Diamonds, Long and Peaks Island,
May the rest of your shift stay nice and silent.”
If you're ever in need, Portland’s Bravest stands tall,
So rest easy tonight, and Merry Christmas to all.

Written By Firefighter David Wright



City of Portland, Maine Portland Maine Fire Department
Portland Fire Dept-Central Station

01/02/2023

The new year is here, and as we end 2022 with the highest call volume ever, we jump into 2023 with the same pace. Since the first call of the year this morning at just after midnight there have been nearly 50 calls for service.

Congratulations to Medcu 4 from North Deering Fire Station for responding to the first call of 2023. Also Engine 5 and Medcu 5 from Portland Fire Dept-Central Station along with Rescue 1, Portland Maine Fire Department out of Bramhall Square Firehouse for the last call of 2022.

have put in some serious work this past year. We've been put to the test and have exceeded expectations.

But that's no surprise. Your are the best, we have your back. We're here for you

10/04/2022

06/27/2022

New E5 progress report!

09/28/2021

The PFD Retired firefighters are hosting a gathering Saturday, October 2nd, from noon to 4 pm at the American Legion in Westbrook on Route 25 for all retirees and present day firefighters. Spouses and partners are welcome and encouraged to attend as well.

So come out and reconnect with old friends and make some new ones!

06/09/2021

Last Sunday Central crews worked on cleaning up and planting some new flowers at the PFD Memorial next to Central Station! The memorial is now looking great for the summer!

12/13/2020

Shift 3 lined up on the ramp of Central awaiting the procession for Brother Flynn.