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Seattle, Washington / Museums

Last Resort Fire Department Museum

Located within the historic Seattle Fire Department Headquarters, this free museum showcases antique motorized fire apparatus and artifacts curated by retired firefighters to preserve the city's firefighting legacy.

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Last Resort Fire Department Museum
lastresortfd.org, website_hero_img_lastresortfd.org

What is the Last Resort Fire Department Museum known for?

The museum is dedicated to the history of the fire service, specifically the Seattle Fire Department. It displays a collection of antique motorized fire apparatus, artifacts, and hundreds of historic photographs.

What are the hours?

The museum is open every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. year-round, except on holidays.

Is it free?

Yes, admission to the museum is free.

Where is it located?

It is located at 301 2nd Ave S in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, housed within the Seattle Fire Department Headquarters.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Last Resort Fire Department Museum is situated at 301 2nd Ave S in the heart of Seattle’s Pioneer Square. The museum is housed within a four-story, ten-bay facility built in 1928, which served as the home for Fire Station #10 and the Seattle Fire Department Headquarters for eighty years. Today, the headquarters still occupies the upper floors, while the museum shares a portion of the apparatus bays for its displays. Established on July 12, 2008, during the Pioneer Square Fire Festival, the museum was created when the Last Resort Fire Department—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—moved a portion of its collection into the headquarters. The collection is a labor of love curated by Galen Thomaier, a second-generation retired firefighter who began collecting antique fire apparatus alongside his father. The exhibits are designed for the public, firefighters, and their families to experience the history of the fire service, with a specific focus on the Seattle Fire Department. Visitors can explore a collection of historic photographs, alarm equipment, station furnishings, nozzles, extinguishers, and helmets. Beyond the static displays, the organization is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of classic motorized fire apparatus. These restored rigs frequently appear in car and truck shows, parades, and the annual Fire Festival in Pioneer Square to keep the city's emergency service history alive.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for Thursday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., as these are the only posted public hours.
  • Admission is free, making it an accessible stop for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Check the local calendar for the annual Pioneer Square Fire Festival to see the restored apparatus in action.

Nearby context

The museum is located in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square district, integrated into the active Seattle Fire Department Headquarters building.

Sources

Evidence and links