Welcome to Firehouse Axes
about us
Firehouse Axes was honestly just a kismet opportunity that started back in 2021 when Amy Philip, Founder of Paradigmq Corporation, ParadigmQ Escape Games , and Escape Games PDX, saw the old fire station for lease and called the Owner. Unfortunately, the space had just been leased out to a brewery so Amy went back to the drawing board but nothing she found was now cool enough to look at, for the first-stand alone axe house in Vancouver, WA. Almost one year later to the day, she saw the For Lease sign back up and called the Owner again and toured it the next day. And that was that, Firehouse Axes was born.
It took a crazy amount of work to bring the original 1932 building up to scratch and make it a great space for throwing axes, gathering with friends and co-workers and grabbing some good food and drinks. ''We wanted to keep the charm but bring it into the 21st century''.
But the renovations paid off and the building is now a beautiful, bright red, beacon on Main Street in the Shumway neighborhood and has received a lot of praise from the local community. ''We've had a super positive reaction from the get-go! It's been very exciting to see that the neighborhood is happy about the change and that something is finally coming into the area that will pay homage to the history but also bring something fun, albeit a bit quirky, to the area'', said Owner Amy Philip.
We get daily pedestrians asking about it, people driving on Main Street tend to slow down and look, especially when we were trying to decide on the exact shade of red we wanted to paint the building-it looked like a circus tent with 32 different shades of red striped all up and down the outside!
GO WITH THE THROW
The excitement from the Firefighter community has also been a huge part of our own enthusiasm for getting the location up and running-we'd get weekly visits from different stations asking to see the space and giving us their history with the station. It really has been a cool process to see what this building means to different people.
With over 20 years in Guest Services and 7 in Interactive Entertainment, Amy is beyond excited to bring Axe Throwing, one of the hottest new trends in the World right now to Vancouver, her home town for more than 30 years. ''I love that we were able to build this business less than 10 minutes from my home and have something that friends, couples, even co-workers can enjoy together. We are also hosting my high school reunion in the summer and I think that'll be a kick to see how far our little town has come in 20 years!.''
If you're an axe enthusiast or not, this is an activity that almost anyone can do-lawyers and insurance agents say you must be at least 10 years old-and most people are surprised at how much fun it really is, especially once you hit your first bullseye. Our axe throwing games actually can get quite addicting! The sport of axe throwing has grown tremendously over the last few years, with League play, kind of like bowling, and even National and World Championship Tournaments happening now with an ever growing fan base to cheer on the best throwers in the world.
And before you think it's not for you, just try it. Throw it and see what all the axe-citement is all about! So come to our axe throwing bar in Vancouver, WA, and get ready to axe-perience the thrill of throwing a hatchet and competing against friends or family. At Firehouse Axes, whether you're a beginner or an expert, we have something for everyone that will keep you coming back week after week. At our axe throwing bar, we strive to make your experience as fun and safe as possible, with all our staff members being trained by certified professionals.
FAQ
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
End Grain Projection Targets - $35/person
You’ll have 65 minutes on your lane which includes a safety and how to throw introduction from one of our trained axe coaches.
We also have food and beverage for purchase on site!
WHAT MAKES YOU GUYS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AXE THROWING VENUES?
We are Vancouver’s only full service axe house with our own food and drinks. We offer both projection style, end grain targets, that come with a variety of different games. We pride ourselves on our focus of both safety and service and our team cares that each group that comes in, whether you have thrown a hundred times or this is your first time-we want you to feel the thrill of hitting that bullseye! And of course we are in the coolest building on Main Street (not that we are bias in anyway-haha). We love all the history being in the old Fire Station 2 location-come check in out!
WHAT AGES ARE ALLOWED?
Our insurance currently allows ages 10 and up to throw. This might be lowered just for kid leagues and throwing academies.
Kids of all ages are welcome to watch and to come in for food. We have a 21+ only area at our bar where kids are not allowed but everywhere else if family friendly.
DO YOU HAVE PARKING?
Yes! We have our own parking lot and overflow parking on the street and nearby Safeway parking lot as well.
CAN PEOPLE COME AND WATCH?
Yes-not everyone on your team has to throw. Some can just come eat and drink and cheer you on! We do ask that you keep the lane count to about 5 so we don’t overcrowd our throwing bays.
Yes! We are pretty excited to be able to offer some really yummy food options, roughly 1/3 of our menu has gluten friendly options available as well! Our resident bar manager keeps our cocktail and beer / cider menu fresh, and introduces specials consistantly. Not a drinker? No worries! We have Best Day non-alcoholic beer, and a variety of affordable craft mocktails.
Cheers!
Absolutely! And it is highly recommended especially for our evenings and weekends to be able to reserve and guarantee your lane.
DO YOU ALLOW WALK-INS?
Of course! Walk on in! We have both 30 min or 1 hour walk in options. Though we will caution, Friday – Saturday have limited walk in availability, and your best bet for one of these days is to reserve on line or give us a call.
CAN I BRING MY OWN AXE?
Axe-aloutely! The axe will need to be inspected by our team, and we reserve the right to refuse an axe that does not meet our safety standards.
We do – head over to our leagues page to learn all about it. You can join if you have missed / plan to miss a few sessions during the league we have make-up options available.
HOW DO YOU KEEP US AND YOUR TEAM SAFE?
Every team gets a safety set up with their axe coach to start and we regularly check in to make sure all safety instructions are being followed. We also have barriers between lanes and behind the lanes as well just in case.
HOW DO YOU KEEP US AND YOUR TEAM SAFE?
Every team gets a safety set up with their axe coach to start and we regularly check in to make sure all safety instructions are being followed. We also have barriers between lanes and behind the lanes as well just in case.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Bring some closed-toe shoes, your ID, and be ready to have a great time! If you forget the shoes, no worries, we’ve got some rainbow crocs on hand to rent out.
WILL I BE PAIRED WITH OTHERS?
Your group will have the lane to yourself, however other groups may be throwing in adjacent lanes.
HOW WILL I LEARN HOW TO THROW?
Our Axeperts will help you find the style of throwing that you are comfortable with and most effective for you-we have a few different axes to try out and there are several ways to throw them. It isn’t easy but that’s part of the fun-practicing, learning and then nailing the bullseye or going for the trickier Killshot!
WILL MY AXE-PERT COACH BE WITH US THE WHOLE TIME?
One of our Axeperts will always deliver a safety set up before each throwing session, as well as some tips on how to nail that bullseye. Once you have the hang of things they take a step back to help other groups, but they’ll be checking back in periodically. If you run into any questions, someone will always be nearby to help out!
IS AXE THROWING REALLY SAFE?
Yes. Truly. We also take safety very seriously. Each group gets a safety set up, and an Axepert is always in the lanes to monitor and make sure all safety rules are being followed. If anyone gets too rowdy, we will ask their axe to leave.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
Unexpected things happen! Please just give us a call as soon as you are aware of the issue and we will isue you a credit for the deposit.
WHAT IF WE ARE LATE TO OUR SCHEDULED TIME?
We are a reservation style business with some walk-in options. If you are late for your scheduled time, we might still be able to let you throw but you may not get the full time. We will do our best to accommodate but please try to be on time so you get the full axe-perience you paid for.
HOW DO YOU KEEP US AND YOUR TEAM SAFE?
Every team gets a safety set up with their axe coach to start and we regularly check in to make sure all safety instructions are being followed. We also have barriers between lanes and behind the lanes as well just in case.
You bet! We have a variety of packages available ranging from a few lanes, axe yard rental & full builidng rental. We can accommodate up to 75, and have ample space for throwing, socializing, and much more. Larger groups have axe-cess to our catering menu. Shoot us an email at: events@firehouseaxes.com to get the ball rolling on planning your awesome axe adventure!
IS THIS GOOD FOR A TEAM BUILDING EVENT?
Absolutely! Axe throwing is an interactive, safe and fun activity for company team builds. We can do smaller groups for just one department or we can host up to 75 people by renting out the facility. We have food and beverages as well and can work with you to create a perfect experience for the whole team! Email us at: events@firehouseaxes.com to get more information.
We do! Check out our League Page to learn more and sign up for more information.
WANT US TO BRING AXE THROWING TO YOU?
At this time we don't have a mobile trailor. However, we do have one inflateable lane available for rent. Send an email to events@firehouseaxes.com to learn more!