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Seattle Fire Department History Station 21 Headquarters / Station 10 App. 125 inside Station 20 Fireboat "Snoqualmie" Engine room of fireboat "Duwamish"
On this page, we will attempt to chronicle the history of the fire stations and apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department, beginning with the "volunteer" department, progressing through the establishment of the "paid" department in 1889, continuing through the horse-drawn era and onto the motorized apparatus, eventually ending with the newest rig on the SFD roster. The LAST RESORT FIRE DEPARTMENT is in possession of hundreds of photographs, documents, and historical data that we've collected and preserved over the last 50-plus years, which we hope to include on this page. With the possible exception of some temporary structures in the early days, our plan is to include photographs of every fire station that has existed in the city of Seattle, with accompanying street locations, in-service dates, and any noteworthy data. We also intend to include photos of every piece of fire apparatus the S.F.D. has had on its roster from the beginning of the "paid" department in 1889, to the present, including pre-1889 volunteer equipment, and apparatus acquired through annexations, with appropriate captions for each photo. For those rigs and stations that underwent major modifications, we will attempt to include photos of each configuration. In addition to the dozens of motorized apparatus the SFD has purchased since 1910, we will attempt to include all 19 horse-drawn steamers, the 3 chemical wagons, the 9 ladder trucks, and hopefully, the 35 horse-drawn hose wagons . . . and the water tower, the chief's buggies, and all the fireboats. Developing this page will be a huge job, and we will work on the project as time allows. We suggest you check this page from time to time to see our progress. The photos below are a "sampling" of what we hope will be a comprehensive photographic history of Seattle Fire Department stations and apparatus. All photos on this page, and on this website are the property of the LAST RESORT FIRE DEPARTMENT, unless otherwise noted. Photos and information contained on this website may not be reproduced in any form without express permission from the LAST RESORT FIRE DEPARTMENT or the owner of the photo as listed in the photo credits.  We are still in the beginning stages of creating this page, but eventually you'll be able to navigate directly to all the categories below. We will be continuing with the "fire stations" and "motorized" sections soon. It's a large page, so it may take a few moments for all the photos to "load". MAIN MENU: FIRE STATIONS HORSE-DRAWN APPARATUS: Steamers Ladder trucks Chemical engines Water tower Hose wagons Chief's buggies Miscellaneous MOTORIZED APPARATUS: 1910-1919 1920-1929 1930-1939 1940-1949 1950-1959 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 2000-2009 2010- FIREBOATS Fire Stations of the Seattle Fire Department Over 100 stations beginning in 1890 + Volunteer Stations, Temporary Quarters, Alarm Centers, Sub-Stations, Annexed Stations, Fireboat Bunk Shacks, Medic Quarters, Training Facilities & Maintenance Shops Primary Stations Numbered 1 thru 41 Temporary Headquarters following "Great Seattle Fire"  SFD Temporary Headquarters (1889-1890) 3rd Ave & University St Photo taken: 1890 Temporary canvas-roofed structure was built after Great Seattle Fire of June 6, 1889 Occupied until Nov 1, 1890 when SFD moved into new Headquarters (Station 1) shown below Torn down: 1890 Current use of property: Commercial structure - Central Business District
Chemical 1 organized - December 12, 1889 
SFD Temporary Quarters of Chemical 1 (1889-1890) Western Ave (West St) & Spring St Photo taken: 1890 Structure temporarily occupied 6 months after Great Seattle Fire of June 6, 1889 Occupied until July, 1890 when Chemical 1 moved into temporary Headquarters shown above Torn down: Unknown Current use of property: Commercial structure - Central Business District Station 1  SFD Headquarters (1890-1903) / Fire Station #1 (1890-1937) 7th Ave & Columbia St Photo taken: 1910 This structure served as Headquarters until 1903 at which time Headquarters moved to Station 10 Station 1 continued to remain the quarters for several companies until it finally closed for good in 1937
NOTE: The bell in the top of the hose tower is currently on display at the Museum of History & Industry The "1890" granite block seen above the two center bay door openings has been preserved by the LRFD
 SFD Fire Station #1 (1890-1937) 7th Ave & Columbia St Photo taken: 1916, after station reconfigured due to Columbia Street re-grade in 1913 After the fire department moved out in 1937, the building was used by the Office of Civilian Defense until it was demolished for construction of the freeway Torn down: 1961 Current use of property: Freeway onramp
Photo taken: February, 1961 - showing original "front" of station
Photo taken: February, 1961 - showing detail of "1890" granite block
Photo taken: February, 1961
Photo taken: 1961
Photo taken: February 1963 - Station 1 being demolished for freeway
Station 2
SFD Fire Station #2 (1890-1906) 3rd Ave & Pine St Photo taken: 1901 Torn down: Approx. 1907 Current use of property: Macy's Department Store
SFD Fire Station #2 (1906-1921) 3rd Ave & Pine St Photo taken: 1907
SFD Fire Station #2 (1906-1921) 3rd Ave & Pine St Photo taken: 1916 after addition of 5th bay Current use of property: Macy's Department Store
SFD Fire Station #2 (1921-present) 4th Ave & Battery St Photo taken: 1937 
SFD temporary Fire Station #2 (7-1-86 - 12-27-86) 5th Ave & Vine St Temporary quarters during remodel Ex-Totem Pontiac dealership Current use of property: Commercial structure - Belltown Business District 
SFD Fire Station #2 (1921-present) 4th Ave & Battery St Photo taken: 1989
SFD temporary Fire Station #2 (3-11-09 - 7-20-10) Aurora Ave N & Thomas St Temporary quarters during remodel Ex-site of Denny's Restaurant Current use of property: Vacant lot
SFD Fire Station #2 (1921-present) 4th Ave & Battery St Photo taken: 2010
SFD Fire Station #2 (1921-present) 4th Ave & Battery St Photo taken: 2010
Chemical 2
SFD Chemical Engine House #2 (1890-1904) Broadway & Terrace St Photo taken: 1890
SFD Chemical Engine House #2 (1890-1904) Broadway & Terrace St Photo taken: 1901
SFD Chemical Engine House #2 (1890-1904) Broadway & Terrace St Photo taken: 1910 - abandoned, boarded up & with broken windows, awaiting demolition Torn down: Approx. 1910 Current use of property: Landscaped triangle bordered by Boren Ave, Broadway & Terrace St
Chemical 3
SFD Chemical Engine House #3 (1893-1903) 1st Ave W & W Lee St Photo taken: 1901 Current use of property: Saint Anne's School
Station 3
SFD Fire Station #3 (1890-1904) 8th Ave S & S Main St Photo taken: Approx. 1890
SFD Fire Station #3 (1890-1904) 8th Ave S & S Main St Photo taken: 1901 after bay-doors widened to accommodate 3-horse hitch Current use of property: Freeway main-line
SFD Fire Station #3 (1904-1921) Terry Ave & Alder St Photo taken: 1910
SFD Fire Station #3 (1904-1921) Terry Ave & Alder St Photo taken: 1969
SFD Fire Station #3 (1904-1921) Terry Ave & Alder St Photo taken: 2010 Current use of building: Harborview Medical Center Security Office
SFD Fire Station #3 (2002-present) 16th Ave W & W Thurman St Fishermen's Terminal - Midway down Dock 4 Rented Fleetwood Motorhome Photo taken: 2002
SFD Fire Station #3 (2002-present) 16th Ave W & W Thurman St Fishermen's Terminal - Midway down Dock 4 Rented Fleetwood Motorhome Photo taken: 2002
SFD Fire Station #3 (2002-present) 20th Ave W & W Thurman St Fishermen's Terminal - West Wall With App. 395 (1994 Alpha-Leisure 5th-wheel trailer) Photo taken: 2003
SFD Fire Station #3 (2002-present) 20th Ave W & W Thurman St Fishermen's Terminal - West Wall With App. 412 (2005 Forest River 5th wheel R.V. trailer) Photo taken: 2003
SFD Fire Station #3 (2002-present) 16th Ave W & W Thurman St Fishermen's Terminal - Midway down Dock 4 With App. 395 (1994 Alpha-Leisure 5th-wheel trailer) Photo taken: 2004
SFD Fire Station #3 (2002-present) 16th Ave W & W Thurman St Fishermen's Terminal - North End of Dock 4 With App. 412 (2005 Forest River 5th wheel R.V. trailer) Photo taken: 2005
Station 4
SFD Fire Station #4 (1889-1890) 1st Ave & Battery St Photo taken: 1889 Torn down: Approx. 1891 Current use of property: Commercial structure - Belltown Business District Photo Credit: MOHAI
SFD Fire Station #4 (1890-1908) 4th Ave & Battery St (on Denny Hill) Photo taken: 1901
SFD Fire Station #4 (1890-1908) 4th Ave & Battery St (on Denny Hill) Photo taken: 1900 NOTE: The bell in the top of the hose tower is currently on display at Station 2 Current use of property: Commercial structure - Belltown Business District
SFD Fire Station #4 (1908-1921) 4th Ave N & Thomas St Photo taken: 1916 NOTE: In 1925, this building was converted into the Fire Alarm Office until 1961 Current use of property: Space Needle, Seattle Center
SFD Fire Station #4 (1972-1983) 26th Ave SW & SW Florida St Photo taken: Approx. 1975 NOTE: This facility housed the Fireboats "Duwamish" and "Alki" The "bay" was designed for small service vehicles only
SFD Fire Station #4 (1972-1983) 26th Ave SW & SW Florida St Photo taken: Approx. 1978 Current use of property: Port of Seattle, container facility
~ MORE STATIONS COMING SOON ~
Fire Apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department
Total of 19 purchased between 1878 & 1909
 ~ End of an era ~ The last run of a horse-drawn rig in the Seattle Fire Department Engine 35 - June 6, 1924 (Replaced by 1924 Seagrave 800 GPM Triple Combination Pumper) Photo Credit: Pemco Webster & Stevens Collection - MOHAI
Horse-Drawn Steamer #1 1878 Gould 550 GPM (3rd size) "Seattle One" in Volunteer Department (Served at Engine 1 & 4) Shown here in Reserve Photo taken: 1900 at Station 4 - 4th Ave & Battery St Sold after 1900 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #2 1882 Gould 350 GPM (4th size) "Washington Two" in Volunteer Department (Served at Engine 2, 3 & 6) Shown here as Engine 6 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 6 - 23rd Ave S & E Yesler Way Sold after 1909 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #3 1889 Ahrens 700 GPM (2nd size) (Served at Engine 1, 9, 7, 25, 12 & 13) Shown here as Engine 7 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 7 - 15th Ave E & E Harrison St Sold after 1918 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #4 1889 Ahrens 700 GPM (2nd size) (Served at Engine 2, 3, 11, 17 & 35) Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 3 - 8th Ave S & S Main St Sold after 1924 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #5 1893 Waterous 700 GPM (2nd size) Rebuilt in 1900 with "LaFrance" 2nd size boiler (Served at Engine 3 & 4) Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 4 - 4th Ave & Battery St Sold after 1908 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #6 1899 American "Metropolitan" 900 GPM (1st size) (Served at Engine 2) Shown here as Engine 2 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 2 - 3rd Ave & Pine St
Horse-Drawn Steamer #6 1899 American "Metropolitan" 900 GPM (1st size) (Served at Engine 2) Shown here as Engine 2 Photo taken: Schwabacher Fire - February 11, 1905
Horse-Drawn Steamer #6 1899 American "Metropolitan" 900 GPM (1st size) (Served at Engine 2) Shown here in preparation for SFD Centennial Celebration Photo taken: 1989 at Last Resort Fire Department Shop/Storage Facility Current status: On display at LRFD Museum
Horse-Drawn Steamer #7 1900 LaFrance 900 GPM (1st size) (Served at Engine 1, 9 & 18) Shown here as Engine 2's alternate before going into regular service at E-1 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 2 - 3rd Ave & Pine St Sold after 1921 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #8 1902 American "Metropolitan" 550 GPM (3rd size) (Served at Engine 6 & 23) Shown here as Engine 23 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 23 - 18th Ave & E Columbia St Sold after 1921 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #9 1903 American "Metropolitan" 550 GPM (3rd size) (Served at Engine 8, 28 & 15) Shown here as Engine 8 Photo taken: 1907 at Station 8 - Warren Ave N & Lee St Sold after 1920 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #10 1904 Nott 900 GPM (1st size) (Served at Engine 1 & 10) Shown here as Engine 10 Photo taken: 1907 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St Rig motorized in 1916 with Seagrave Two-wheeled Front Drive Tractor Tractor removed in 1921 and steamer scrapped Tractor installed on Steamer #14 in 1921 (See App. 30 below)
Horse-Drawn Steamer #11 1905 LaFrance 700 GPM (2nd size) (Served at Engine 4, 2 & 18) Shown here as Engine 18 Photo taken: 1909 at Station 18 - Russell Ave NW & NW Market St Sold after 1918 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #12 1906 Ahrens-Fox "Continental" 700 GPM (2nd size) (Served at Engine 3, 4 & 35) Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 1908-1917 at Station 4 - 4th Ave N & Thomas St Sold in 1924 - On display in city park - McCleary, Washington
Horse-Drawn Steamer #13 1907 Nott 550 GPM (3rd size) (Served at Engine 1 & 21) Shown here as Engine 1 Photo taken: 1907 at Station 1 - 7th Ave & Columbia St Sold after 1915 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #14 1907 American LaFrance "Metropolitan" 700 GPM (2nd size) (Served at Engine 14) Shown here as Engine 14 Photo taken: 1907 at Station 14 - 1st Ave S & S Holgate St Rig motorized in 1914 with Christie Two-wheeled Front Drive Tractor Christie tractor removed and scrapped in 1921 Seagrave Two-wheeled Front Drive Tractor removed from Steamer #10 and installed on Steamer #14 in 1921 (See App. 30 below) Current status: On display at LRFD Museum as "motorized" App. 30
Horse-Drawn Steamer #15 1907 Ahrens-Fox "Continental" 550 GPM (3rd size) (Served at Engine 3 & 19) Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: 1907 at Station 3 - Terry Ave & Alder St Sold after 1921 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #16 1907 Nott 550 GPM (3rd size) (Served at Engine 6) Shown here as Engine 6 Photo taken: 1907 at Station 6 - 23rd Ave S & E Yesler Way Sold after 1920 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #17 1909 Ahrens-Fox "Continental" 700 GPM (2nd size) (Served at Engine 19 & 3) Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 3 - Terry Ave & Alder St Sold after 1918 - Current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Steamer #18 1909 Nott 550 GPM (3rd size) (Served at Engine 7 & 21) Shown here as Engine 21 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 21 - Greenwood Ave N & N 73rd St Sold after 1922 - Current status unknown We are searching for a better photo of Horse-Drawn Steamer #18
Horse-Drawn Steamer #19 1909 Nott 550 GPM (3rd size) (Served at Engine 8 & 11) Shown here as Engine 8 Photo taken: 1912 at Station 8 - Warren Ave N & Lee St Sold after 1921 - Current status unknown
Fire Apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department
Total of 9 purchased between 1884 & 1907
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #0 1884 Babcock Village Service Truck Originally purchased by the Volunteers in 1884 - Hand-Drawn Strengthened & arranged for horses in 1890 (Served at Truck 1 & 3) Shown here as Truck 1 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 4 - 4th Ave & Battery St Sold in 1910 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #1 1889 Preston 65' Aerial Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 2) Aerial shortened to 55' in 1911 (Served at Truck 8) Aerial removed & rig converted to City-Service Ladder Truck in 1913 (Served at Truck 9 & 11) Shown here as Truck 2 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 1 - 7th Ave & Columbia St 
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #1 1889 Preston 65' Aerial Ladder Truck Aerial shortened to 55' in 1911 (Served at Truck 8) Shown here as Truck 8 Photo taken: 1912 at Station 18 - Russell Ave NW & NW Market St
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #1 1889 Preston 65' Aerial Ladder Truck Aerial removed & rig converted to City-Service Ladder Truck in 1913 (Served at Truck 9 & 11) Shown here as Truck 9 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 17 - Roosevelt Way NE (10th Ave NE) & NE 45th St Sold after 1924 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #2 1893 Waterous Village Service Truck (Served at Truck 3, 1 & 5) Rebuilt as City-Service Ladder Truck in 1900 Shown here as Truck 1 Photo taken: Between 1901 & 1908 Sold after 1918 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #3 1901 Seagrave Tillered City Service Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 2, then in "reserve" after motorized) Shown here as Truck 2 Photo taken: 1904 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St Rig motorized in 1914 with Christie front-drive tractor (No App. number assigned) Tractor removed in 1921 Sold after 1921 - current status unknown We are searching for a better photo of Horse-Drawn Ladder #3
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #4 1903 Robinson Tillered City-Service Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 1 & 4) Shown here as Truck 4 Photo taken: Between 1909 & 1921 at Station 4 - 4th Ave N & Thomas St Sold after 1921 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #5 1903 Fire Extinguisher Mfg. Co. Combination City-Service Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 3, 7 & 8) Shown here as Truck 3 Photo taken: Between 1904 & 1907 at Station 3 - Terry Ave & Alder St
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #5 1903 Fire Extinguisher Mfg. Co. Combination City-Service Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 3, 7 & 8) Shown here as Truck 8 Photo taken: Between 1913 & 1924 at Station 18 - Russell Ave NW & NW market St Sold after 1924 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #6 1906 American LaFrance 85' Tillered Aerial Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 2 & 1) Shown here as Truck 2 Photo taken: 1907 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #6 1906 American LaFrance 85' Tillered Aerial Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 2 & 1) Shown here as Truck 2 Photo taken: Between 1906 & 1909 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St Rig motorized in 1911 with Seagrave Tractor (See App. 24 below) and again in 1920 with Seagrave Tractor (See App. 33 below) Trailer scrapped in 1937
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #7 1907 Seagrave Combination City-Service Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 3 & 5) Shown here as Truck 3 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 23 - 18th Ave & E Columbia St Sold after 1923 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #8 1907 Seagrave Combination City-Service Ladder Truck (Served at Truck 6) Shown here as Truck 6 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 24 - 5th Ave W & W Galer St Sold after 1924 - current status unknown
Fire Apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department
Total of 3 purchased between 1889 & 1891
Horse-Drawn Chemical Engine #1 1889 Champion w/two 80-Gallon Soda-Acid Chemical Tanks (Served at Chemical 1, 3 & 33) Shown here as Chemical 1 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 1 - 7th Ave & Columbia St
Horse-Drawn Chemical Engine #1 1889 Champion w/two 80-Gallon Soda-Acid Chemical Tanks Rebuilt in 1910 w/two 60-Gallon Soda-Acid Chemical Tanks (Served at Chemical 1, 3 & 33) Shown here as Chemical 33 Photo taken: 1915 at Station 33 - 62nd Ave S & S Ryan St Sold after 1923 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Chemical Engine #2 1890 Holloway w/two 50-Gallon Soda-Acid Chemical Tanks Rebuilt in 1901 as Hose-Chemical Combination w/one 50-Gallon Soda-Acid Chemical Tank (Served at Chemical 2, Combination 2 & E-8's Hose Wagon) Shown here as Chemical 2 Photo taken: 1900 at Chemical Engine House #2 - Broadway & Terrace St Sold after 1907 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Chemical Engine #3 1891 Holloway w/two 60-Gallon Soda-Acid Chemical Tanks (Served at Chemical 3, 2 & 33) Shown here as Chemical 3 Photo taken: 1900 at Chemical Engine House #3 - 1st Ave W & W Lee St Sold after 1914 - current status unknown
Fire Apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department ~ HORSE-DRAWN WATER TOWER ~ Total of 1 purchased in 1904 Water Tower #1
Horse-Drawn Water Tower #1 1904 Champion 65' Water Tower with 1100 GPM Monitor (Served at Water Tower 1) Shown here as Water Tower 1 Photo taken: 1907 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St
Horse-Drawn Water Tower #1 1904 Champion 65' Water Tower with 1100 GPM Monitor Shown here on the ramp at Station 10
Horse-Drawn Water Tower #1 1904 Champion 65' Water Tower with 1100 GPM Monitor Photo taken: 1915 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St Rig motorized in 1916 with Seagrave Two-wheeled Front Drive Tractor (See App. 31 below) Tower cut up for scrap in 1955 by SFD Motorized chassis sold in 1955 - current status unknown
Fire Apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department ~ HORSE-DRAWN HOSE WAGONS ~
Total of 35
purchased between 1889 & 1911
Very little documentation exists regarding the Seattle Fire Department horse-drawn hose wagons. With few exceptions, records we have researched do not reveal definitive years, makes, vehicle numbering or company assignments. We do know there were at least 35 wagons on the SFD roster between 1889 and 1924. The wagons were built by various manufacturers, such as McDonald, Beattie, Marco, Fire Extinguisher Company, Pacific-Mix, Washington Rubber Company, Robinson and Seagrave. At least ten were built in the city shops. In addition, several "hose carriages" were acquired by the department through annexations. Some of these were used for a short period of time, but because of their limited hose carrying capabilities and lack of storage space for equipment, they were eventually replaced with regular hose wagons. The last SFD horse-drawn hose wagons were replaced with motorized apparatus in 1924.
Many of the photos in our possession primarily show the horses and the crews, oftentimes obscuring the wagons themselves. Consequently, we have chosen to show a sampling of some of the various types of hose wagons used by the SFD, with no specific information except the "company" where the rig was assigned when the photo was taken, and the date of the photo, if known.
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose Wagon 1 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 1 - 7th Ave & Columbia St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose Wagon 2 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 2 - 3rd Ave & Pine St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose Wagon 3 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 3 - 8th Ave S & S Main St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose Wagon 4 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 4 - 4th Ave & Battery St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose Wagon 5 (Fireboat Tender) Photo taken: 1900 at Station 5 - Alaskan Way & Madison St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose Wagon 6 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 6 - 23rd Ave S & E Yesler Way
Horse-Drawn Hose Carriage Shown here as Hose Carriage 7 Photo taken: 1900 at Station 7 - 15th Ave E & E Harrison St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 13 Photo taken: Between 1907 & 1918 at Station 13 - 14th Ave S & S Massachusetts St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 14 with Engine 14 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 14 - 1st Ave S & S Holgate St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 16 Photo taken: Between 1907 & 1924 at Station 16 - Corliss Ave N & N 64th St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 18 Photo taken: Between 1907 & 1911 at Station 18 - Russell Ave NW & NW Market St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 18 Photo taken: Between 1907 & 1911 at Station 18 - Russell Ave NW & NW Market St Photo credit: MOHAI
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 18 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 18 - Russell Ave NW & NW Market St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 20 Photo taken: Between 1908 & 1921 at Station 20 - 14th Ave W & W Wheeler St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon 1911 City-Built (plain) Shown here as Hose 23 Photo taken: 1921 at Station 23 - 18th Ave & E Columbia St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 24 Photo taken: Between 1909 & 1924 at Station 24 - 5th Ave W & W Galer St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 24 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 24 - 5th Ave W & W Galer St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 24 Photo taken: 1919 at Station 24 - 5th Ave W & W Galer St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 29 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 29 - Ferry Ave SW & SW Walker St
Horse-Drawn Hose Wagon Shown here as Hose 30 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 30 - Hunter Blvd S & S Spokane St
Fire Apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department ~ HORSE-DRAWN CHIEF'S BUGGIES ~
Total of 4 purchased between 1889 & 1908
Horse-Drawn Chief's Buggy Shown here with Chief of Department - Gardner Kellogg Photo taken: 1900 at Station 1 - 7th Ave & Columbia St
Horse-Drawn Chief's Buggy Shown here with Assistant Chief of Department - Ralph Cook Photo taken: 1900 at Station 2 - 3rd Ave & Pine St
Horse-Drawn Chief's Buggy Shown here with 1st Assistant Chief - William H. Clark Photo taken: 1907 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St
Horse-Drawn Chief's Buggy Shown here as "Chief-4's" buggy Photo taken: Between 1909 & 1913 at Station 4 - 4th Ave N & Thomas St
Fire Apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department ~ MISCELLANEOUS HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLES ~ Supply Wagon ~ Horseshoers Wagon
Supply Wagon Photo taken: 1900 at Station 2 - 3rd Ave & Pine St
Horseshoers Wagon Photo taken: 1916 at Station 25 - Harvard Ave & E Union St
Horseshoeing equipment Photo taken: 1916 at Station 25 - Harvard Ave & E Union St
Fire Apparatus of the Seattle Fire Department First Motorized Fire Apparatus Purchased In 1910
NOTE: In 1921, the Seattle Fire Department standardized the apparatus numbering system for most of their existing motorized fire apparatus, beginning with "Apparatus #1". However, instead of numbering the 33 existing rigs consecutively by "date-of-purchase", they chose to number them in "groups" - engines, ladders, aerials, chemicals, squads, steamer tractors, etc. We have chosen to list the 33 motorized rigs, acquired between 1910 and 1921, by "date of purchase". All apparatus after 1921 will be listed numerically, which coincides with the order in which those rigs were acquired. (The three Waterous hose wagons and the two Christie tractors were not included in the 1921 re-numbering system.)
For rigs that underwent major modifications, such as complete rebuilds, adding a cab, converting from elevated platform to an aerial, addition of a crew-cab, etc., we will try to show both configurations.
The notation "presumed scrapped" is based on our knowledge of the person or company that purchased the rig when it was sold by the city, and their presumed intention for the rig's future use (scrap metal dealer, etc.) If we know the rig was scrapped, it will be so noted. 1910 - 1919 
Apparatus 16 - 1910 Seagrave Hose-Chemical Combination Wagon (Served at Engine 25's Wagon, Hose 25 & 34) Shown here as Engine 25's Wagon Ran in combination with E-25 (Horse-Drawn Steamer #3) Photo taken: 1910 at Station 25 - Harvard Ave & E Union St Sold in 1927 - current status unknown
Apparatus 22 - 1910 Seagrave Chemical Wagon (Served at Chemical 1 & Hose 32) Shown here as Chemical 1 Photo taken: 1910 at Station 25 - Harvard Ave & E Union St Rebuilt in 1921 - see photo below
Apparatus 22 - 1910 Seagrave Chemical Wagon Rebuilt in SFD Shops to Hose-Chemical Combination in 1921 (Served at Chemical 1 & Hose 32) Shown here as Hose 32 Photo taken: 1922 at Station 32 - 44th Ave SW & SW Alaska St Sold in 1928 - scrapped
Apparatus 15 - 1910 Seagrave Hose-Chemical Combination Wagon (Served at Engine 10's Wagon, Hose 25, Engine 21's Wagon & Hose 33) Shown here as Engine 10's Wagon Ran in combination with E-10 (Horse-Drawn Steamer #10) Photo taken: 1910 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St Rebuilt in SFD Shops in 1923 Sold in 1930 - scrapped
1911 Waterous Hose Wagons Shown here upon arrival from factory Photo taken: 1911 at Station 25 - Harvard Ave & E Union St One converted to Hose-Chemical Combination Wagon prior to entering service - see photo below One destroyed in Grand Truck Pacific Dock fire - July 30, 1914 Remaining two sold in 1924 & 1926 - status unknown (The one sold in 1924 was sold as a parts chassis only - presumed scrapped)
1911 Waterous Hose-Chemical Combination Wagon (Served at Engine 14, Hose 5 & 34) Shown here as Hose 5 Photo taken: 1915 at Station 5 - Alaskan Way & Madison St Sold in 1926 - current status unknown
Horse-Drawn Ladder Truck #6 1906 American LaFrance 85' Tillered Aerial Ladder Truck Rig motorized in 1911 with Seagrave Tractor (App. 24) ~ See photo below ~
Apparatus 24 - 1911 Seagrave Aerial Tractor attached to H.D.L. #6 (Served at Truck 1) Shown here as Truck 1 Photo taken: Between 1912 & 1916 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St The trailer was motorized again in 1920 with a new Seagrave tractor (See App. 33 below)
Apparatus 24 - 1911 Seagrave Aerial Tractor w/1906 American LaFrance 85" Tillered Aerial Photo taken: 1916 at Station 10 - 3rd Ave S & S Main St Trailer scrapped in 1937
Apparatus 24 - 1911 Seagrave Tractor Used as Reserve Aerial Tractor: 1920-1942
Apparatus 24 - 1911 Seagrave Tractor Shown here in its final days in the scrap pile with rubber and all brightwork removed Scrapped in 1942 for the war effort
Apparatus 1 - 1914 American LaFrance 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 1, 8 & 34) Shown here as Engine 8 Photo taken: 1921 at Station 8 - Warren Ave N & Lee St Sold in 1955 - privately owned
Apparatus 2 - 1914 American LaFrance 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 12) Shown here as Engine 12 Photo taken: 1922 at Station 12 - 33rd Ave & E Union St Sold in 1955 - privately owned
Apparatus 3 - 1914 Gorham-Seagrave 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 8 & 4) Shown here at Seagrave factory Photo taken: 1914 at Seagrave factory - Columbus Ohio Sold in 1932 - presumed scrapped
Apparatus 4 - 1914 Gorham-Seagrave 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 7 & 2) Shown here as Engine 7 Photo taken: 1916 at Station 7 - 15th Ave E & E Harrison St Sold in 1932 - presumed scrapped
Apparatus 5 - 1917 American LaFrance 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 1, 3, 16, 36, 41, 36, 1, 8 & 12) Shown here as Engine 1 Photo taken: Between 1917 & 1924 at Station 1 - 7th Ave & Columbia St Rebuilt in 1939 - see photo below
Apparatus 5 - 1917 American LaFrance 800 GPM Pumper Rebuilt in SFD Shops in 1938-39 (Served at Engine 1, 3, 16, 36, 41, 36, 1, 8 & 12) Shown here as Engine 12 Photo taken: 1950 at Station 12 - 33rd Ave & E Union St Sold in 1958 - current status unknown
Apparatus 6 - 1918 American LaFrance 500 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 13 & 37) Shown here as Engine 13 Photo taken: 1922 at Station 13 - 14th Ave S & S Massachusetts St Sold in 1937 - current status unknown
Apparatus 7 - 1918 American LaFrance 500 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 7, 16 & 38) Shown here as Engine 7 Photo taken: 1922 at Station 7 - 15th Ave E & E Harrison St Sold in 1937 - current status unknown
Apparatus 8 - 1918 American LaFrance 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 3,22 & 41) Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: 1922 at Station 25 - Harvard Ave & E Union St Sold in 1958 - current status unknown
Apparatus 9 - 1918 American LaFrance 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 17, 16 & 38) Shown here as Engine 17 Photo taken: 1922 at Station 17 - 10th Ave NE & E 45th St (Changed to: Roosevelt Way NE & NE 45th St) Sold in 1955 - presumed scrapped
Apparatus 10 - 1918 American LaFrance 1000 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 36 & 7) Shown here as Engine 36 Photo taken: 1921 at Station 36 - 23rd Ave SW & SW Spokane St Rebuilt in 1936 - see photo below
Apparatus 10 - 1918 American LaFrance 1000 GPM Pumper Rebuilt in SFD Shops in 1935-36 (Served at Engine 36 & 7) Shown here as Engine 7 Photo taken: 1947 at Station 7 - 15th Ave E & E Harrison St Sold in 1958 - presumed scrapped
Apparatus 28 - 1918 American LaFrance City-Service Ladder (Served at Truck 3 & 6) Shown here as Truck 3 Photo taken: 1921 at Station 23 - 18th Ave & E Columbia St Sold in 1955 - presumed scrapped
Apparatus 11 - 1920 Seagrave 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 6) Shown here as Engine 6 Photo taken: 1921 at Station 6 - 23rd Ave S & E Yesler Way Modifications made in 1937 - see photo below
Apparatus 11 - 1920 Seagrave 800 GPM Pumper Four-wheel brakes & pneumatic tires installed by SFD Shops in 1937 (Served at Engine 6) Shown here as Reserve Engine Photo taken: 1947 at Station 25 - Harvard Ave & E Union St Sold in 1964 - current status unknown
Apparatus 12 - 1920 Seagrave 800 GPM Pumper (Served at Engine 15, 26, 33 & 16) Shown here as Engine 15 Photo taken: 1922 at Station 15 - Minor Ave & Virginia St Rebuilt in 1952 - see photo below
Apparatus 12 - 1920 Seagrave 800 GPM Pumper Rebuilt in SFD Shops in 1952 (Served at Engine 15, 26, 33 & 16) Shown here as Reserve Engine Photo taken: 1960 as Engine 35 Sold in 1969 - Privately owned - Last Resort Fire Department
Apparatus 29 - 1920 Seagrave 75' tillered aerial (Served at Truck 2, 4 & 1) Shown here as Truck 2 Photo taken: 1921 at Station 2 - 4th Ave & Battery St Sold - presumed scrapped
Apparatus 117 - 1929 Mack 85' tillered aerial (Served at Truck 2 & 4) Shown here as Truck 2 Photo taken: 1930 at Station 1 - 7th Avenue & Columbia St Modifications made in 1937 - see photo below
Apparatus 117 - 1929 Mack 85' tillered aerial Shop-built enclosed cab with windshield & doors installed in 1937 (Served at Truck 2 & 4) Shown here as Reserve Ladder Photo taken: Between 1961 & 1965 at Station 18 - Russell Ave NW & NW Market St Sold in 1969 - Privately owned - Last Resort Fire Department
~ MORE MOTORIZED FIRE APPARATUS COMING SOON ~
Fireboats of the Seattle Fire Department Total of 5 purchased between 1890 & 2007 ~~~ You can navigate directly to the fireboats listed below ~~~ "Snoqualmie" ~ "Duwamish" ~ "Alki" ~ "Chief Seattle" ~ "Leschi"
~ MISCELLANEOUS WATER CRAFT & SMALL BOATS ~ Amphibious Rescue Craft ~ Patrol Boat "Leschi" Zodiac Inflatable ~ Fast-Attack Fireboat
This aerial photo, taken over Seattle's Elliott Bay, clearly illustrates the "firepower" of two of Seattle's fireboats, the "Duwamish" and the "Alki". For many years, the "Duwamish" was considered the world's most powerful fireboat, able to pump 22,800 gallons-per-minute. The "Alki" ranked third, with a pumping capacity of 16,200 gallons-per-minute.
The "Duwamish" was replaced in 1984, and sold to a local preservation group in 1994. The "Alki" is still "in service" in 2008, but is due to be replaced in the near future. Seattle's newest fireboat, the "Leschi", placed in service in 2007, has a pumping capacity of 20,000 gallons-per-minute.
Before the ashes of the Great Seattle Fire of June 6, 1889 had cooled, plans were in the works to create a "paid" fire department, upgrade the water system, build several new stations, purchase new equipment, AND design and build a fireboat to protect Seattle's waterfront. When the steam-powered fireboat "Snoqualmie" went into service January 3rd, 1891, it was the first and only fireboat on the West Coast.
Fireboat "Snoqualmie" Engine 5
Fireboat "Snoqualmie" - Built in 1890 - Coal-fired - 7000 GPM capacity (Served at Engine 5, 31 & 39) Shown here as Engine 5 Photo taken: Approx. 1891 in Elliott Bay (Station 5 - Alaskan Way & Madison St) Boat rebuilt in 1910 - see photos below (Engine 31) Cost new in 1890: $35,000
Shown here as Engine 5 Photo credit: MOHAI
Shown here as Engine 5
Shown here as Engine 5
Engine 31
Fireboat "Snoqualmie" - Re-built in 1910 - Oil-fired - 6000 GPM capacity (Served at Engine 5, 31 & 39) Shown here as Engine 31 Photo taken: Approx. 1914 in Elliott Bay (Station 31 - E Marginal Way S & S Massachusetts St Photo credit: MOHAI
Shown here as Engine 31
Shown here as Engine 31
Shown here as Engine 31, working at a pier fire on Seattle's waterfront
Engine 39
Fireboat "Snoqualmie" (Served at Engine 5, 31 & 39) Shown here as Engine 39 Photo taken: Between 1928 & 1935 in Lake Union (Station 39 - Westlake Ave N & Halladay St) Sold in 1936 Photo credit: Seattle P-I Collection - MOHAI
Fireboat "Snoqualmie" - Sold in 1936 Converted to freighter & name changed to "Robert Eugene" Used to ferry supplies to sheep ranch on Aleutian Islands Accidentally burned and sank at Kodiak Alaska in early 70's
Fireboat "Duwamish" Engine 5
Fireboat "Duwamish" - Built in 1909 - Oil-fired - 9000 GPM capacity (Served at Engine 5, 31 & 4) Shown here as Engine 5 Photo taken: Between 1910 & 1913 behind the 2nd Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St) Boat rebuilt in 1949 - see photos below (Engine 4) Cost new in 1909: $78,257 Cost of rebuild in 1949: $149,257
Shown here as Engine 5
Shown here as Engine 5
Shown here as Engine 5 Photo taken: After 1930 behind the 3rd Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St) (Oftentimes, the "Duwamish" put out more smoke than the fire it was fighting)
Engine 31
Shown here as Engine 31 Photo taken: Between 1928 & 1949
Shown here as Engine 31 Photo taken: Between 1928 & 1949
Scenes of the Engine Room - Steam-Powered (1909-1949)
Engine Room of Fireboat "Duwamish"
Engine Room of Fireboat "Duwamish"
Engine 4
Fireboat "Duwamish" - Re-built in 1949 - Diesel-Electric - 22,800 GPM capacity (Served at Engine 5, 31 & 4) Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 1961 - heading into Puget Sound from the Ballard Locks
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 1963 - heading into Elliott Bay from Station 5
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 1964 in Elliott Bay
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 1964 - behind the 4th Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St)
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: Approx. 1969 in Elliott Bay
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: Approx. 1970 in Elliott Bay
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: Bi-Centennial Day - July 4, 1976 in Elliott Bay
Scenes of the Engine Room - Diesel-Electric (1949-present)
Propulsion Control Panel Fire Pump Control Panel
At the throttle
Number 1 Main Engine
Number 2 & 3 Main Engines
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: May 20, 1958 Three-alarm fire at Seattle Cedar Lumber Mfg. Co.
For information on the preservation of the Fireboat "Duwamish", visit the Puget Sound Fireboat Foundation website
Fireboat "Alki" Engine 5
Fireboat "Alki" - Built in 1927 - Gasoline powered - 16,200 GPM capacity (Served at Engine 5, 3, 4 & currently serving at Engine 3) Shown here as Engine 5 Photo taken: Approx. 1927 in Elliott Bay (Station 5 - Alaskan Way & Madison St) Boat rebuilt in 1948 - see photos below (Engine 3) Cost new in 1927: $166,467 Cost of rebuild in 1948: $53,533
Engine 3
Fireboat "Alki" - Re-built in 1948 - Direct-drive diesel - 16,200 GPM capacity (Served at Engine 5, 3, 4 & 3) Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: Lake Washington Ship Canal
Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: 1963 - behind Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St)
Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: 1987 - in Elliott Bay Photo credit: Bill Hattersley
Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: 1994 - behind Station 5, after removal of telescoping tower
Scenes of the Pilot House and Engine Room (1948-present) Photos taken: 2008
Shown here as Engine 3 Photo taken: October 21, 1964 with telescoping tower fully extended Four-alarm fire at Todd Shipyards
Fireboat "Chief Seattle" Engine 4
Fireboat "Chief Seattle" - Built in 1984 - Diesel powered - 7,500 GPM capacity (Served at Engine 1 & 4) Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 2001 in Elliott Bay (Station 5 - Alaskan Way & Madison St) Cost new in 1984: $2,500,000 Photo credit: Bill Hattersley
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 2001 - behind Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St)
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 2004 - behind Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St)
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 2008 - behind Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St)
Scenes of the Pilot House, Engine Room and other areas (1984-present) Photos taken: 2008
Fireboat "Leschi" Engine 4
Fireboat "Leschi" - Built in 2007 Diesel powered - 20,000 GPM capacity (Currently serving at Engine 4) Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 2007 in Elliott Bay (Station 5 - Alaskan Way & Madison St) Cost new in 2007: $12,117,000 Photo credit: Chris Hartman
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 2007 in Elliott Bay Photo credit: Chris Hartman
Shown here during Sea Trials Photo taken: 2007 in Puget Sound Photo credit: Seattle Fire Department
Shown here as Engine 4 Photo taken: 2008 - behind Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St)
Scenes of the Pilot House, Galley, 1st-Aid Room, Engine Room and other areas Photos taken: 2008
~ MISCELLANEOUS WATER CRAFT & SMALL BOATS ~ Amphibious Rescue Craft ~ Patrol Boat "Leschi" Zodiac Inflatable ~ Fast-Attack Fireboat
Amphibious Rescue Craft ARC - 1
Apparatus 302 - 1946 G.M.C. Amphibious Rescue Craft (DUKW-353) Equipped with 50-lb. "Purple-K" Dry Chemical Extinguishing System Acquired from U.S. Coast Guard - 1965 (Served at ARC-1 - Station 22, 35 & 19) Shown here as ARC-1 Photo taken: 1974 at Station 19 - Duwamish Ave S & S Spokane St Sold in 1974 - current status unknown
Photo taken: 1971 in Union Bay
Photo taken: 1971 in Union Bay
Photo taken: 1971 in Union Bay
Patrol Boat "Leschi" Harbor 2
Patrol Boat "Leschi" - Built in 1961 - Gasoline powered - 150 GPM capacity (Served at Harbor 2 - Station 4) Shown here as Harbor 2 Photo taken: Between 1976 & 1981 in Elliott Bay (Station 4 - 26th Ave SW & SW Florida St) Acquired from Seattle Police Department Harbor Patrol in 1976 Returned to S.P.D. in 1982 - current status unknown
Zodiac Inflatable Adjunct of Engine 4
Apparatus 402 - 1996 Zodiac Inflatable Jet-Boat Equipped with valve diverting water from propulsion jet to monitor on prow Acquired from Inflatable Boatworks, Inc. (Served as Adjunct of Engine 4 - Station 5) (Could also be transported on 2005 Caulkins Boat Trailer - App. 413) Photo taken: Between 1998 & 2005 in Elliott Bay (Station 5 - Alaskan Way & Madison St) Sold - current status unknown
Photo taken: 2001 - behind Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St)
Photo taken: 2001 - behind Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St)
Fast-Attack Fireboat Engine 1
Fast-Attack Fireboat - Built in 2006 - Diesel powered - 6,600 GPM capacity (Currently serving at Engine 1) Shown here as Engine 1 Photo taken: 2007 - behind Station 5 (Alaskan Way & Madison St) Cost new in 2006: $1,734,000
Shown here as Engine 1 Photo taken: 2008 - behind Station 3 (16th Ave W & W Thurman St)
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