In May of 1943, Tacoma Fireboat #1 was used to patrol Tacoma's 36 miles of marine shoreline. Tacoma's first fireboat, it was launched in 1929 and served for 53 years, putting out waterfront fires and responding to emergencies such as sinking vessels and water rescues. During the war years, the city fire department and the Coast Guard patrolled waterfront businesses looking for fire hazards and awarding Waterfront Defense "Good Housekeeping" pennants. Fireboat #1 was retired from service in 1982 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1989. She is displayed in a permanent dry berth at Marine Park off Ruston Way. The long, low and narrow riveted steel hulled vessel is 96.6 feet in length and could reach speeds of up to 15 knots. She is one of 10 vessels constructed as fireboats greater than 50 years of age left in the US. Of the five 1920's fireboats, she is the least modified and has not undergone extensive modernization. (T.Times, 5/10/43, p.14; National Park Service website under Maritime Heritage Program) TPL-8671

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950;

City Firemen and their Fireboat #1, pictured, cooperated with the Coast Guard in an exercise on May 7, 1943 demonstrating their ability to cope with waterfront fires. The fireboat and the Coast Guard's five fire barges drilled off Old Town Dock, pumping a combined 23,700 gallons of water a minute. The drill also called attention to the last few days of the Tacoma Waterfront Defense Committee's clean up drive. (T.Times, 5/10/43, p. 14)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

These two members of the Coast Guard took part in the May 7, 1943 fire fighting drill off the Old Town Dock. The pair are aboard one of the smaller CG fire barges. These smaller barges were designed to fight fires under the docks. They could pump 600 gallons a minute. (T. Times 5/8/1943, pg. 3)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

The three larger Coast Guard fire barges assigned to Tacoma are photographed in formation on May 7, 1943. They were taking part in a drill along the Tacoma waterfront. The Coast Guard had a total of five barges assigned to Tacoma. (T. Times 5/8/1943, pg. 3)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

Tacoma's Fireboat #1, with several streams of water shooting into the air, demonstrates its ability to defend the waterfront from fire during a May 7, 1943 drill. (T. Times 5/8/1943, pg. 3)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

Tacoma's Fireboat #1, shown underway, participated in a May 7, 1943 drill, showing its effectiveness in fighting waterfront fires. The drill was part of a campaign to clean up debris along the waterfront, removing fodder for deliberately set fires. The number one enemy of our port and waterfront defense industries was fire. (T. Times 5/8.1943, pg. 3)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

Heavy smoke billows from the remains of the C & S Foundry, 3018 So. Chandler St., destroyed by a fast burning fire on March 23, 1943. In 45 minutes, the fire was contained but the foundry was lost, sustaining $15,000 in damages. Quick work by 11 fire fighting companies, civilians and members of the Coast Guard stopped the fire from spreading to the surrounding Center St. industrial district. (TNT 03-25-1943 p.1)

Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; C & S Foundry (Tacoma); Fire fighters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A lone firefighter is silhouetted against the sky as he battles the blaze at the C & S Foundry on March 23, 1943. The fire was the result of sparks from molten metal and it burned hot and spread quickly. Firemen, civilians and members of the Coast Guard fought the 3 alarm fire for 45 minutes. The foundry was destroyed with an estimated $15,000 in damages and the blaze also spread to nearby Tacoma Millwork Supply Co. and Anderson Fir Finish Co., causing slight damage. (TNT 03-25-1943 p.1; T. Times 3/25/1943, pg. 1)

Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; C & S Foundry (Tacoma); Fire fighters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1940-1950;

At appoximately 4:30 p.m. on March 23, 1945 sparks from molten metal started a fire at the C & S Foundry, 3018 So. Chandler St. The fire was so hot that it spread to both the Tacoma Millwork Co. and the Anderson Fir Finishing Co. A Northern Pacific switching crew rescued railroad cars from sidings at the burning plants. The blaze eventually brought out eleven fire companies, and both Civilian Defence auxiliary firemen and a squad of U. S. Coast Guard sailors. Fire Chief Emery Whitaker gave high praise to both the auxiliary firemen and the coast guard sailors for helping to contain the fire. (TNT 03/25/1943 p.1; T Times 3/24/1943, pg. 1+))

Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; C & S Foundry (Tacoma); Fire fighters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1940-1950;

For 45 minutes, beginning around 4:15p.m. on March 23, 1943, eleven fire fighting companies plus civilians and members of the Coast Guard fought a 3 alarm fire at the C & S Foundry that threatened to spread to the surrounding Center St. industrial district. In the end, the foundry was destroyed, sustaining an estimated $15,000 in damages, and the Tacoma Millwork Supply Co. and the Anderson Fir Finish Co. were slightly damaged. (TNT 03-25-1943 p.1; T. Times 3/24/1943, pg. 1)

Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; C & S Foundry (Tacoma); Fire fighters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Satterly - Teamsters Union. A small fire engine has Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation,"Number 1" painted on the side of the door and there are dials the valves on the side just in front of the door. A siren is attached over the hood and "Tacoma Division" is painted on the engine cover.

Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1940-1950;

K Street fire at Meyer Drug Store. The Meyer Drug Company fire was started in the basement with fly poison spray. Tacoma Firemen were aided by the Civilian Defense Fire Fighter Auxiliary and the Coast Guard. It quickly destroyed a significant portion of the store. View of unidentified fire fighter, probably Coast Guard, standing in front of fire engine (T. Times, 5/30/44, p. 1).

Fire fighters--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Meyer Drug Co. (Tacoma);

K Street fire at Meyer Drug Store. Police officers were praised for the efficient manner in which they handled the Meyer Drug Company fire. View of spectators lining the street and sidewalk in front of the Associated, "Flying A" service station while fire is in progress (T.Times, 5/30/44, p. 1).

Fire fighting--Tacoma; Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Meyer Drug Co. (Tacoma);

The most deadly fire in Tacoma's history started early Saturday morning on February 17, 1945 at about 2 a.m. when the Maefair Apartments, 721 Fawcett Avenue, burst into flames. At the fire inquest held in March it was determined that 19 people died in the fire. Most of the occupants in the three-story plus basement brick faced structure were war workers, soldiers and their families, including many children. The fire was believed to have been caused by an explosion in the Hamilton Candy Company located in the building's basement. Flying embers were carried by high winds throughout many blocks in the surrounding areas but steady rain and snow flurries helped to protect against new fires. The glare from flames was visible at Browns Point across the bay, bright enough to wake sleepers. Later in the morning of the 17th firemen were still pouring water on the smoldering debris of the gutted building. (T. Times, 2/17/45, p. 1-article; Talbot: 100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington p. 102-104)

Fire fighting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Disasters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Maefair Apartments (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Maefair Apartments' fire. The fire at the Maefair Apartment building claimed the lives of 19 people. The fire is believed to have started in Hamilton's Candy Co., which is located in the basement. An explosion awoke many of the residents, who then immediately escaped the burning building. View of flames from Maefair, fire truck and onlookers (T. Times, 2/17/45, p. 1).

Fire fighting--Tacoma; Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Disasters--Tacoma; Maefair Apartments (Tacoma);

The Maefair Apartment fire is the deadliest in Tacoma's history. Before dawn on February 17, 1945 fire broke out in the Hamilton Candy Company at 721 Fawcett Avenue. The fire quickly spread upstairs to the Maefair. By the time the first alarm was received at 2:12 a.m. the building was already engulfed in flames. Twenty two of the buildings 85 occupants died before they could be removed from the burning four-story brick building. (T. Times, 2/17/45, p. 1).

Fire fighting--Tacoma; Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Disasters--Tacoma; Maefair Apartments (Tacoma);

Jubilee Water Carnival at Point Defiance Pavilion was a great success. Over 75,000 people attended the festivities and over 27,000 cars entered the park grounds throughout the day. Spectators cheered on their favorite boats in the races and their favorite bathing beauty in the contest. Fun has had by all who attended. View of fire boat show with many people enjoying watching the incredible display (T. Times, 7/1/46, p. 2).

Fireboats--Tacoma; Regattas--Tacoma; Bays; Spectators--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Point Defiance Pavilion (Tacoma);

The City of Tacoma finally received the four pumper trucks ordered in 1945. All four of the new trucks are parked outside Fire House No. 2. An inspection and demonstration was held with Safety Commissioner Robert S. Temme, Fire Chief Charles J. Eisenbacher, Mayor C.V. Fawcett and other members of the city council. (T.Times, 11/13/1946, p.1)

Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Fire Department, Fire Station No. 2 (Tacoma); Temme, Robert S.; Eisenbacher, Charles J.; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

The City of Tacoma received four new pumper trucks. The new pumpers were assigned to Engine Companies No. 1, No. 2, No. 4 and No. 5. This is the truck assigned to Fire Station No. 1 parked near St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. TPL-9379

Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lutheran churches--Tacoma; St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma);

This photograph was taken in 1947 shortly after the Tacoma Fire Dept. bought three new fire trucks from Tacoma Truck and Tractor Company. The Mack 1000 gpm pumper is parked in front of Fire Station No. 2, at 2701 Tacoma Avenue So. Fire Station No. 2 was built in 1907 from a plan by Paul Bergfeld, and was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1986.

Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Fire stations--Tacoma; Vehicles--Tacoma; Tacoma Fire Department, Fire Station No. 2 (Tacoma); Tacoma Truck & Tractor Co. (Tacoma);

Tacoma Fire Department had just bought three new fire trucks from Tacoma Truck and Tractor Company. They bought two "Mack" 1,000 gallons per minute (GPM) pumpers and a 75 foot aerial ladder truck. Exterior view of Fire Station No. 2 proudly displaying their new addition, the "Mack" 1,000 GPM pumper, an unidentified man is standing next to the truck.

Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Fire stations--Tacoma; Vehicles--Tacoma; Tacoma Fire Department, Fire Station No. 2 (Tacoma); Tacoma Truck & Tractor Co. (Tacoma);

Fire truck at Midland Fire Department . The 500 gallon pumper truck, loaded with different sizes of hoses, stands in front of the H.M. & L Fire Department, Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 4 (Fire District No. 4 served the communities of Harvard, Midland and Larchmont). Photo taken for Ted Hoakinson, South Tacoma Motors. South Tacoma Motors handled Chevrolet trucks.

Fire engines & equipment--Midland--1940-1950; Fire stations--Midland--1940-1950; Chevrolet trucks;

Tacoma Fire Department has been in existance for many many years, the first paid fire department was established in 1885. Since this time the department has dramatically increased to help meet the needs of the community. Exterior view of Tacoma Fire Station No. 2, located at 2701 Tacoma Avenue South, seven fire trucks, three have their all-metal ladders up; Mount Rainier in background. TPL-9236

Fire stations--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Ladders; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Tacoma Fire Department, Fire Station No. 2 (Tacoma);

In 1944 the Tacoma Fire Department began an extensive modernization program aimed at upgrading its aging fleet of fire fighting equipment. This picture, taken in June of 1948, shows the fire departments impressive collection of trucks lined up along Tacoma Avenue South in front of Station No. 2. The fleet includes 3 Peter Pirsch 1250-GPM Pumpers with aerial all-steel ladders. TPL-10051

Fire stations--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Ladders; Fire fighters--Tacoma; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Tacoma Fire Department, Fire Station No. 2 (Tacoma);

Exterior view of Tacoma Fire Station No. 2, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church on left side, Tacoma's Fire Department fleet is parked along Tacoma Avenue South. The fleet includes: Peter Pirsch aerial ladder trucks, Pirsch 1250-GPM pumpers, 1000-GPM Mack pumpers, 1000-GPM pumpers, 75 foot aerial ladder truck, 750-GPM Type 85 Mack pumpers, hose wagon, line truck and a light line truck; in 1948 all staff cars were replaced. TPL-10080

Fire stations--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Ladders; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Tacoma Fire Department, Fire Station No. 2 (Tacoma);

Fire fighters are battling the fire at Harold E. Dahl Company from ladders set against the rear of the building. A ladder truck provides access to the roof of the building. Hoses look like spaghetti lying on the alley pavement. The cause of the fire that caused $89,000 damage to the four-story brick building was blamed on a cigarette. TPL-9889

Fires--Tacoma--1950-1960; Harold E. Dahl Co. (Tacoma); Stores & shops--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fire fighting--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma;

Fire fighters are battling the fire at Harold E. Dahl Company from ladders set against the rear of the building. Three fire fighters are standing on the same ladder, possibly to help hold and lift the hose, with another standing at the bottom. A ladder truck provides access to the roof of the building. The Harold E. Dahl Company sold office supplies, desks, typrwriters and safes. TPL-9237

Fires--Tacoma--1950-1960; Harold E. Dahl Co. (Tacoma); Stores & shops--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fire fighting--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma;

Fire Chief Lesley B. McGaw, Pierce County Fire District #3. Mr. McGaw was fire chief of the University Place Fire Department from 1941-1965. University Place, in the 1950's, was protected by volunteer firefighters who manned the trucks and answered fire calls. They attended weekly drills and furnished a man every night, seven nights a week, who slept at the fire station to answer emergency calls. In addition, the Fire District 3 commissioners were also volunteers. By 1960, University Place had a force of 30 volunteers, including one woman, and three full-time firemen. McGaw, a one-time truck driver and native of San Francisco, brought his frisky fox terrier, Patsy, with him to fires for many years. (TNT 4/10/1952, pg. 10, TNT 7-6-60, A-8)

Fire fighters--Pierce County---1950-1960; McGaw, Lesley B.;

New Fire Hall with equipment, Pierce County Fire District #3. The building was designed by architect Lyle Swedberg, and constructed by G. Kirkebo & Son Co. after bids were obtained in 1952. The building was paid for by cash and replaced the volunteer firefighters headquarters. The district was officially established in 1945 as a tax supported fire district by a majority vote of property owners. At the time the district was formed, the members of the volunteer fire fighting force sold their equipment, which included a fully equipped truck, to the district for $1. In addition to the new station, the district has a nearly new truck and two older trucks. (TNT 4/10/1952, pg. 10)

Fire engines & equipment--Pierce County--1950-1960; Fire stations--Pierce County--1950-1960;

This is the new $13,000 scarlet fire engine, trimmed with chrome, that was put into service at Fircrest in July of 1951. It had traveled up from California. On the way it put out two vehicle fires and came to the assistance of a bus. At the wheel is Fire Chief Oren W. Satterlee. Leo J. Ash, city councilman in charge of the fire department, is in the middle. Fircrest's Mayor Nelson J. Morrison is on the right. Children were invited to visit the fire station on July 12th for rides and fire chief hats. The new acquisition carried 500 gallons of water with a pumping capacity of 600 gallons per minute. It had 1,300 feet of hose. The old unit, a 1939 model, would be kept mainly for brush fires. Fircrest at the time had a population of 1600 and was undergoing a building boom. (TNT, 7/11/1951, p.8)

Fircrest Fire Department (Fircrest); Fire engines & equipment--Fircrest; Satterlee, Oren W.; Ash, Leo J.; Morrison, Nelson J.; Mayors--Fircrest--1950-1960;