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Marking 115 years of firefighting service in Long Beach

bySignal Tribune
March 23, 2012
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<strong>The Hancock Oil Refinery fire, which occurred on May 22, 1958, was one of the largest fires in California history, burning for 72 hours with smoke clouds that could be seen for several miles. The firefighting effort was one of the first instances of mutual aid among fire departments, with units from the Long Beach Fire Department, Signal Hill Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Vernon Fire Department responding. </strong>
The Hancock Oil Refinery fire, which occurred on May 22, 1958, was one of the largest fires in California history, burning for 72 hours with smoke clouds that could be seen for several miles. The firefighting effort was one of the first instances of mutual aid among fire departments, with units from the Long Beach Fire Department, Signal Hill Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Vernon Fire Department responding.

By Rex Pritchard, President
Long Beach Firefighters, Local 372

On March 16, 1897, the citizens of Long Beach recognized the need for a fire department, and the Long Beach Fire Department was born. So on this date, 28 charter members signed up as volunteer firemen and elected Brewster C. Kenyon as captain. From 1900 to 1907 the following Board of Trustees members were in office: C.J. Walker, president of the Board (Mayor); George Sanford; T.A. Stephens; C.H. Henderson; and R.S. Oakford. They recognized the need that some sort of a more permanent fire-fighting organization was mandatory.

<strong>Five-person-staffed engine at Station 10, circa 1940s</strong>
Five-person-staffed engine at Station 10, circa 1940s
On May 27, 1902, the Board of Trustees called a citizens meeting at City Hall, with Mr. Jacob Kuhrts, an experienced fire commissioner from Los Angeles, as the principal speaker. From his expert knowledge of the necessity of organizing a trained group for the purpose of combating fires, the trustees gave the go-ahead signal to organize the first fire department since Long Beach had become a city.
The city of Long Beach has grown tremendously since 1897. The nearly 400 Long Beach firefighters are proud to protect the 7th largest city in California with almost 500,000 residents. We respond to over 60,000 calls for service, covering 52.3 square miles, seven miles of beaches and 22 square miles of waterways, safeguarding one of the world’s busiest seaports and a growing airport, with nearly 5 million visitors that come to Long Beach annually.
We are proud to celebrate this amazing history of firefighter service to the citizens of Long Beach. Long Beach firefighters hope to continue this tradition of service for many years to come.
<strong> Firefighter Jeff Ohs saving a child from a fire at 11th Street and Ohio Aveunue, in Station 10's fire district, circa 2000. The child who was saved visits his savior every Christmas. </strong>
Firefighter Jeff Ohs saving a child from a fire at 11th Street and Ohio Aveunue, in Station 10's fire district, circa 2000. The child who was saved visits his savior every Christmas.
Visit our Firefighter museum at 1445 Peterson Ave. or at lbfdmuseum.org.

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