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About Us

The Company and Tour Crew Portland Fire Engine Co.

Our Company

The Portland Fire Engine Co. has been delivering the best-narrated history tours in Portland, Maine since we opened in 2012. Our unique Maine tour company history is an inspiring story in itself. Owner Keith Nuki had already been working with many of the local tour companies in Portland Maine’s Old Port and is a huge history buff as well as a car guy. It was this combination of these interests and passions that helped him create and establish a Vintage Fire Engine Tours around the peninsula of Portland Maine. He wanted a shorter tour of Portland Maine than what the local trolley tours offered. He also wanted a tour vehicle that really reflected Portland Maine’s past. A vintage fire truck seemed like the perfect tour vehicle and made sense considering Portland Maine’s great fire history. Keith retro-fitted the truck so it could seat 13 people safely and mounted a large flat screen TV so you can also view photos of what Portland Maine used to look like back in the day as you drive by different landmarks. He hired a great team of local Maine tour guides to narrate the Portland Maine fire truck tour that you’ll love and remember for years to come. Our Portland Maine tours are a great experience and you’ll learn so much about our beloved city. Come take one of our 50 minute tours of Portland Maine on our vintage fire truck and meet our talented crew.

The Truck

Keith found a 1971 Farah pumper from Center Harbor, New Hampshire and converted it to safely carry passengers. He also installed a large flat screen TV and hooked up with the Maine Historical Society to be able to show beautiful historical images of Portland’s past during the tour. Keith then did a ton of research about Portland’s past with a focus on the fire history. Once the final touches were added to the truck, including the bimini top and stereo/PA system, a route had to be put together. Keith circled the city many times and slowly put together a fantastic route that included the entire peninsula of Portland. The tour is still a work in progress and is often altered because of construction or traffic – so each fire truck tour is different and a unique experience.

The Truck

Keith found a 1971 Farah pumper from Center Harbor, New Hampshire and converted it to safely carry passengers. He also installed a large flat screen TV and hooked up with the Maine Historical Society to be able to show beautiful historical images of Portland’s past during the tour. Keith then did a ton of research about Portland’s past with a focus on the fire history. Once the final touches were added to the truck, including the Bimini top and stereo/PA system, a route had to be put together. Keith circled the city many times and slowly put together a fantastic route that included the entire peninsula of Portland. The tour is still a work in progress and is often altered because of construction or traffic – so each fire engine tour is different and a unique experience.

Meet Our Crew

Keith then hand-picked a crew of local historians including actors and hardcore history buffs. Though it was not an easy task, an experienced driver was found. We needed a driver that could handle an old standard transmission truck that needs to be babied and double-clutched. With all the pieces in place, he started the tour in May 2012. It was an instant hit and is just getting better and better each season. Come join us for a 50-minute tour and meet our crew and learn more about us. Our goal is to provide both superior customer service and tremendous value for our customers. It is about us and you having a great experience together.

Portland Tour Guide Guy Linscot

Guy

Guy, born and raised in Portland Maine. 25 years of military service, 27 years sales. Likes travel, fishing, and a sports!  Enjoys telling stories and history of the greater Portland area.  He enjoys his 3 to 4 months or year in Florida during the winters.

Portland Tour Guide Paul Bessa

Paul

Paul is a Portland homeowner and long time resident of the peninsula.  In his off season Paul drives a school bus for the City of Portland.

We Have Been in the News

People are saying great things about us. There have been many news articles written about us since we began in May 2012. Our first article was in the Portland Press Herald. David Hench came down and interviewed us about our great new idea. The article came out in August 2012 with some great photographs and tour descriptions! MP from Cute Potato then reached out to us. She brought her family down for a tour and then wrote an amazing blog about their experience. This was followed up from a call from the Bangor Daily News. They did a story on the new tour businesses coming into Portland and the competition they bring along. We also had the Boston Herald do a news story on us. If you are a travel writer and would like to learn more about Portland Fire Engine Co. please give us a call.

We Have Been in the News

People are saying great things about us. There have been many news articles written about us since we began in May 2012. Our first article was in the Portland Press Herald. David Hench came down and interviewed us about our great new idea. The article came out in August 2012 with some great photographs and tour descriptions! MP from Cute Potato then reached out to us. She brought her family down for a tour and then wrote an amazing blog about their experience. This was followed up from a call from the Bangor Daily News. They did a story on the new tour businesses coming into Portland and the competition they bring along. We also had the Boston Herald do a news story on us. If you are a travel writer and would like to learn more about Portland Fire Engine Co. please give us a call.

We love our customers and welcome your feedback and suggestions. Use our Contact page to tell us what we’re doing right or what we can improve on.