Firefighters at Fire Station 5, nestled in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Southwest Portland, are upholding a legacy of both emergency response and community engagement. According to a recent social media post by Portland Fire & Rescue, this station, erected in 1959, caters to the Hillsdale, Bridlemile, and Hayhurst neighborhoods. It houses Engine 5, a reserve truck, and the specialized Rescue 99.
In 1987, this station leaped into the future by successfully trialing Portland Fire's paramedic engine concept — a move that has been echoing throughout the city ever since, as all of Portland’s fire engines now provide Advanced Life Support (ALS). The station, which brandishes a name with deep roots in the city's firefighting history, The Tiger Company,, also prides itself on its proactive stance in fire prevention education. It regularly collaborates with neighborhood schools and local organizations such as Southwest NET (Neighborhood Emergency Teams).
Strategically situated on the western edge of the city, Fire Station 5 is tactically equipped for its unique location. It is prepared for a range of emergencies with a longer extended ladder and powered extrication tools — precautionary measures considering the nearest truck company's distance. This detail delineates the station's commitment to readiness and reflects its adaptability to the communities' needs.
Moreover, the storied Tiger Company, once the designation for one of the earliest steam fire engines in Portland, continues to be synonymous with this fire station. Its historical significance is tightly woven with Portland's firefighting efforts, marking a continuity that showcases the evolution of the city's emergency services. Station 5 has transitioned from its original location on SW Naito Parkway to its current spot under the OHSU Tram pathway, continuing to serve as a fulcrum of safety and assurance for the residents it protects.
