History

1800's - Founding of SFD  

• Establishment of Salinas City: On October 14, 1872, the City of Salinas was officially incorporated, marking the beginning of its journey. 
• First Fire Ordinance: A mere week later, on October 21, 1872, the city's first fire ordinance was adopted, focusing on fire safety measures around stoves, chimneys, and hot ashes.
• Formation of Alisal Hose Company #1: On November 30, 1874, the Alisal Hose Company #1, later renamed Salinas Hose Company #1, held its inaugural meeting, laying the groundwork for the city's firefighting efforts.
• Evolution of Fire Department Structure: December 22, 1874, marked a pivotal moment as the Salinas City Fire Department was officially established, adopting a hierarchical structure with elected officials and designated roles.
• Introduction of Alert Hook and Ladder Company: December 27, 1874, saw the organization of the Alert Hook and Ladder Company, enhancing Salinas's firefighting capabilities.
• Adoption of Uniforms: In December 1874, the Alisal Hose Company #1 adopted its distinctive uniform, symbolizing unity and identity within the department.
• Expansion of Fire Department: February 5, 1875, witnessed the integration of the Excelsior Hose Company into the Salinas Fire Department, enriching its resources and manpower.
• Incorporation of Salinas Engine Company: April 8, 1875, marked the establishment of the Salinas Engine Company, further bolstering the city's firefighting infrastructure.
• Transition to Paid Fire Department: March 5, 1894, heralded a new era as Salinas appointed its first paid fireman, reflecting the city's growing needs and advancements.
• Resilience Amid Challenges: Despite internal strife and political tensions, notably in July 1896, Salinas's firefighters demonstrated resilience and community support, leading to the reinstatement of the disbanded fire department.

1900's 

• Records Lost: The Salinas Fire Department's records from October 4, 1897, to June 12, 1908, were lost, but it is known that during this period, becoming a Volunteer Fireman required belonging to the National Guard and Troop “C”.
• New Bell Installed: July, 1900, a new fire bell was erected, later placed at Fire Station Three by the Salinas Volunteer Fire Department.  
• 1917 Fire Engine: The department faced challenges as the boiler of the steamer burned out, prompting demonstrations by the Seagrave Company and the American LaFrance Company for their new engines. The city put out a bid for a motor fire engine with a 750-gallon capacity, ultimately accepting a bid from American LaFrance for a Type “75” engine.

Recent News: 

The 1917 American La France Fire Engine(PDF, 87KB)

The Salinas Fire Department is proud to announce the restoration of a piece of Salinas history – the 1917 American La France fire engine, thanks to the efforts of the Horseless Carriage Club of America, Salinas Valley Chapter! This restoration project, initiated on December 6, 2022, represents a collaborative community effort driven by the expertise and commitment of key individuals and businesses. The primary use of the 1917 American La France engine will be for parades and static displays for the unit, and it will be part of the City of Salinas’s 150-year celebration in April 2024.

• Paid Member of SFD: In August of 1919- George Von Soosten was employed as a Paid member of the Volunteer Salinas Fire Department. He later then became the Chief of the Department.
• First Open House: On February 4, 1928, Open house was held in the new fire house for the City of Salinas.  This “new fire house” is the previous Station #1, located at 210 Salinas Street.
• Purchase of Pumper: 1942: The Salinas Fire Department purchased a 750 GPM pumper from American LaFrance for $10,284.00.
• Station 1: First on duty crew was housed at Salinas City Station 1 located on Gabilan up until 1949
• Station 2: Station No. Two was opened on West Laurel Drive, along with the purchase of a 1953 Mack fire apparatus, a 600 GPM pumper costing $15,450.00. 
• Station 3: Station No. Three was opened in 1957, housing two engine companies and five men. Later, one engine company was removed and placed back at Station No. One.
• Aerial Ladder Truck Purchased: October 21,1959, a 100 foot Aerial Ladder Truck was purchased from American LaFrance at a cost of $50,563.20.
• New Drill Tower: May 7, 1966, on (Fire Services Day) the new Drill Tower; located at Station No. 3 was dedicated.  This concrete tilt-up tower is 5 stories high, with a basement. It greatly accelerated the training program in the Salinas Fire Department.
• Station 4: On June 1, 1966, Station No. 4 was opened, at 308 Williams Road.  This station houses two engine companies and six men.  It was built to provide fire protection to the Alisal “East Salinas” area which had been annexed to the city on June 1964.  Up to and until this time, fire protection for this area was contracted from the Rural Fire District.

• As of this date ( February 1969 ) the Salinas Fire Department consists of One Chief, one Assistant Chief, two Battalion Chiefs, ten Captains, eight Lieutenants, two Fire Inspectors and 36 fire fighters.

2000's 

• Apparatus: All new HME Frontline apparatus used. 
• Use of Pierce: In the year of 2006, frontline apparatus replacement with Pierce Fire Apparatus began.
• First Female Fire Chief: August of 2020, Salinas City Manager announced Michele Vaughn as its first female Fire Chief.