[Parent-Child Experience]I’m a Little Firefighter, Driving to Put Out Fires

Hsinchu City Fire Museum – I’m a Little Firefighter, Driving to Put Out Fires. In downtown Hsinchu, there’s a unique museum that displays fire trucks from the Japanese colonial era and the 1970s. Kids can experience the thrill of driving a fire truck and sounding its siren to rush to a fire. The fire escape experience room simulates escaping in a dark, smoke-filled space, teaching people how to evacuate safely.

▲ Super retro fire trucks, even the sirens are hand-cranked.

The second floor teaches CPR, helping you assist others during the critical 4 to 6 minutes before the fire truck arrives. The Hsinchu Fire Museum is more than just a fun parent-child destination—it has strong educational value, and parents should definitely experience it with their kids. ▲ On the second floor, during a training camp, Baby Wen reviewed the CPR skills he had learned before.

As soon as you enter the fire museum, there’s a fire truck that was in service during the 1960s. Fu Bao Ge and his friend Peng Peng were very excited to see the vehicle. The kids put on real firefighter uniforms, climbed into the driver’s seat of the fire truck—one drove while the other sounded the siren—and set off to put out a fire. It was way more realistic than role-playing. A kind volunteer firefighter told us that except for Mondays when the museum is closed, she’s usually there to give explanations, and group visits are also welcome. There’s also a little secret on the rooftop: back in the day, the fire station building was the tallest in the area, so when a fire broke out, firefighters would first observe from the roof. There’s a speaking tube along the wall on the roof that lets you talk directly to the firefighters downstairs. Energetic dads, head straight up to the 6th floor and play a game of voice relay with your kids. ▲ Back then, firefighters would slide down poles to respond to calls—this museum still has one preserved.

The second floor is not only a CPR teaching area but also has a fire theater, complete with a TV and miniature fire trucks. Fu Bao Ge watched very attentively. Life is priceless, and fire safety knowledge really should start from childhood. The fire museum is about a 10-minute walk from the train station and a 5-minute walk from the parking lot under Dongda Road Bridge. It’s very convenient to get to, and it’s right next to cultural sites like Hsinchu City Hall, the Art Museum, and the former residence of Principal Hsin Chih-ping. The historic buildings have lots of charm, and there are many fun elements to enjoy—making it a great choice for a family trip to Hsinchu. ▲ The little firefighters are on the move, following Baby Wen to put out fires.

Friendly Reminder: There are helpful volunteer firefighters on-site. Be sure to listen to the guided tour to learn correct fire safety concepts—the visit will be even more enjoyable.
DATA
No. 4, Zhongshan Road, Hsinchu City (03)522-2050
Tuesday to Friday: 09:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00; Saturday: 09:00-12:00, 13:00-21:00; Closed on Monday
http://www.hcfd.gov.tw/museum
From National Freeway 1, Hsinchu Interchange, head toward Guangfu Road; it takes about 20 minutes to arrive.

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