Historic Fireboat Finds New Home on N. Oregon Coast, at Astoria's Columbia River Maritime Museum

Published 07/15/26 at 7:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) – Finally, a stellar remnant of Oregon history has found its home.

The north Oregon coast's Columbia River Maritime Museum is the permanent digs of the historic fireboat David Campbell, after months of planning, site preparation, engineering, and extensive restoration and accessibility.

The move marks a major milestone in the Museum’s facilities: the campus transformation and the development of Mariners Hall, the Museum’s new 24,500-square-foot exhibit building is scheduled to open later this year. The integral keeper of Astoria and Oregon coast history has made its own history.

On Thursday, July 2, NessCampbell Crane + Rigging mobilized its 660-ton crawler crane to Astoria. Transporting the crane required about 40 semi-truck loads of equipment, including an articulating trailer used for oversized components.

Then on Monday, July 6, Big River Excavating delivered 24 truckloads of rock to build a stable foundation for the lift. The rock base ranged in dimensions from 2 to 16 inches deep, adnd as topped with heavy timber crane mats before assembly of the crawler crane began. Crews spent the next three days completing assembly and testing ahead of the vessel’s arrival.

On Tuesday, July 14, the David Campbell made its final voyage from Portland to Astoria aboard an Advanced American Construction barge, towed by Shaver Transportation. A second spud barge accompanied the tow to provide additional stability during the lift.

Timed with the afternoon high tide, the barge was positioned as close to shore as possible. Using the crawler crane, crews lifted the fireboat from the barge, traversed the prepared crane path, hoisted the vessel over the Barbey Maritime Center, and lowered it into its custom exhibit pit. The fireboat now rests at the Museum’s east entrance, positioned bow-to-bow with the historic Pilot Boat Peacock.

Named in honor of Portland Fire Chief David Campbell, who died in the line of duty in 1911, the fireboat was launched in 1927 for Portland Fire & Rescue. During its service, it could pump up to 12,000 gallons of water per minute to fight waterfront fires. The David Campbell served Portland for nearly a century before retiring in 2012. After its donation to the Museum, it entered drydock at Diversified Marine, Inc. to prepare for relocation to Astoria.

The fireboat will remain behind secured fencing until construction of the Warnock Building, future home of Mariners Hall, is completed. Once that is finished there will be a gangway boarding system. Museum volunteers will then begin restoration work on the main deck and engine room to prepare the vessel for public tours.

“This project represents years of planning and the collaboration of numerous contractors, partners, volunteers including our Boat Restoration Manager Doug Taylor, donors, and Museum staff,” said Bruce Jones, Executive Director of the Columbia River Maritime Museum. “Bringing the David Campbell to Astoria preserves an important piece of Pacific Northwest maritime history and creates an exciting new experience for our visitors. We are thrilled to welcome her to her new home.”

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The David Campbell is the newest addition to the Museum’s growing collection of historic vessels. Once opened to visitors, boarding access will be included with regular Museum admission. Guests will also be able to purchase a Vessels-Only ticket, providing access to both the Lightship Columbia and the fireboat.

“We are deeply grateful for the donors who made this complex project possible, including Terry Graff, Dr. Gerald Warnock, the City of Portland and Portland Fire & Rescue, Don & Marian Vollum, the Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, Anne Myers, Nick & Joan Johnson and others for their generosity.”

Columbia River Maritime Museum 503-325-2323 crmm.org

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