San Francisco Fire Department

by John Garvey

Book Overview

In San Francisco, history is as close as the sound of the fire engines and trucks racing by, sirens wailing. The San Francisco Fire Department took shape, as did the city, from the ashes and embers of the Great Fire of 1906. In the tumultuous seaport full of those seeking California's newly found gold, volunteer fire companies had to adapt to a teeming city full of canvas tents, wood shacks, kerosene lanterns, ocean breezes, and hilly winding streets...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738520845
• ISBN13: 9780738520841
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A much needed work

There is a lot of San Francisco history that is easily neglected and almost forgotten amidst the hustle and bustle of the ever progressive and changing city by the bay. The Images of America has helped correct this neglect with a series of excellent little picture books about some of the aspects of history that are fun and fascinating. This book on the brave men and women firefighters starts out with the colorful private fire companies of the 19th century. Indeed, San Francisco being a wild and crazy place it burned down a few times, a companies of fire fighters were essential. Later, when the 1906 earthquake and fire hit, they were mostly a city run organization, that did their heroic best to respond to the disaster. Other famous fires are covered as well, such famous hotel fires, Sutro's Cliff House in 1907, Sutro baths and St. Mary's cathedral. Also covered are changes in equipment ,uniform and personel. And all of the pictures are excellent and some very rare. A great addition to any library of San Francisco books.