Council approves temporary use of old Fire Station 1 as fire museum incubator, leases first floor for $1

The City of Orange voted April 8 to allow a nonprofit museum group to temporarily occupy the first floor of the old Fire Station 1 as an incubator for a permanent California Fire Museum. The council approved a minimum one‑year term with a 60‑day termination notice and a $1 annual rent recommendation from staff, with the group covering utilities, insurance and minor repairs to areas it occupies.

Hitto Horlings, president of Call to Adventure/California Fire Museum, told council the organization operates educational exhibits and owns a collection of vintage apparatus; the temporary space would be a “museum on wheels” for safety demonstrations and community outreach. Supporters at the meeting said the museum could boost downtown visitation and provide public‑education programming on fire prevention and safety.

City staff said the temporary agreement would limit city expense: the group will keep a light footprint and perform repairs only to the occupied first‑floor areas. Council members asked about safety upgrades and length of term; staff and the applicant said upgrades would be limited to occupied spaces and the agreement could be terminated by council with notice if needed. The council asked staff to ensure neighborhood outreach and community meetings as plans evolve.

The motion included direction to pursue neighborhood outreach and to evaluate parking alternatives for the site as part of longer term planning. The measure passed unanimously.

Sources: staff report and presentation by Call to Adventure/California Fire Museum, City of Orange council proceedings on April 8, 2025.