Fire museum is expected to stay open

The North Charleston fire museum that bears the American LaFrance name and exhibits an array of one-of-a-kind antique firetrucks is expected to remain open despite the emergency vehicle maker's bankruptcy filing.

The Summerville-based company filed for bankruptcy protection Monday and said it will quickly propose a plan of reorganization.

The move is not expected to affect the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center, which opened in April, officials said.

The 27,000-square-foot building off Centre Pointe Drive near the Tanger Outlet Center has welcomed more than 14,000 visitors since last spring and has no plans to close, said the museum'sdirector, Renee B. Frye.

"We are open for business as usual," she said Monday. "We absolutely expect to open every day."

The museum, designed to look like an old firehouse, is home to 18 restored firetrucks, some of which date to the late 1800s. Interactive exhibits educate children and adults on fire safety, and a LaFrance firetruck simulator takes visitors on a high-speed call through downtown streets.

The single-story facility cost about $6.6 million to build. Centre Pointe developers donated the five-acre site, and the city used revenues from growth through a special tax district to pay for the construction.

The museum's antique firetrucks, including hand-cranked and horse-drawn models, are part of LaFrance's corporate collection.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said the city has a five-year contract with the company, with an option for another five years, to keep the exhibits at the museum. The building itself is owned by the city.

He said he doesn't anticipate that American LaFrance's financial difficulties will affect the museum's day-to-day operations.

"We feel we're in great shape for at least the next nine years," Summey said. "If they do (sell the exhibits), the city would be interested in buying them."

Reach Peter Hull at 937-5594 or phull@postandcourier.com.