Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the San Francisco Fire Department

Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the San Francisco Fire Department

As San Francisco rapidly grew from a small village into a bustling city during the chaotic early years of the California Gold Rush, the city’s firefighters heroically battled one devastating blaze after another in a landscape often rebuilt with materials that made it susceptible to fire. Between 1849 and 1852 alone, the city was nearly burned down six times. The San Francisco Fire Department was established in 1849. Among its leading organizers were David C. Broderick (1820–59)—foreman of the Empire Engine Company and later a California State and U.S. Senator—and Frederick D. Kohler (1810–64), who became the first Chief. Both men had prior firefighting experience in New York City before arriving in San Francisco in 1849.

At first, all firefighters were volunteers who risked their lives without compensation. Fire companies were often organized among comrades—many of whom had prior firefighting experience and shared connections to the same cities, regions, or countries. These companies adopted names such as Empire, Knickerbocker, Pennsylvania, and Lafayette. They were supported by the city and by donations from citizens, which provided engines, equipment, and firehouse buildings. Firehouses were lively centers of activity, with garages below for engines and carts and living quarters above for the firemen. They also functioned as social clubs where volunteers gathered and hosted community events.

In the early years, firefighters used tow-ropes to pull heavy hand-pumped fire engines, as well as hose and ladder carts, to fires on foot while navigating the city’s steep hills. At night, young volunteers known as “torch boys” ran ahead to light the way. Competition between companies was fierce. Fire crews often raced one another to reach a fire, turning the urgent dash into an impassioned test of strength, speed, and pride. In 1866, San Francisco established a professional, paid fire department. Over time, as the city expanded, the department transitioned to horse-drawn steam engines and carts, and by 1921, it became fully motorized. This exhibition explores the early decades of the San Francisco Fire Department and pays tribute to those brave firefighters who, driven by duty, battled danger, smoke, and flames to save lives and protect their city.

A very special thank you to the Guardians of the City Museum and Michael McDowell for making this exhibition possible.

About Guardians of the City Museum
The San Francisco Fire Department Museum was founded in 1964 to help collect the history of the City’s fire department. Guardians of the City (GOTC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of San Francisco’s First Responders. GOTC manages the SFFD Museum, now known as the Guardians of the City first responders Museum. The museum, located at 655 Presidio Avenue, in San Francisco, is run by volunteers and is open to the public. For more information, visit the Gaurdians of the City website.

About Michael McDowell 
Michael McDowell is a Bay Area native currently residing in Berkeley. His fire service career and the development of his fire department collection spans four decades. The main focus of his collecting has been San Francisco Gold Rush, Mother Lode, and Comstock Lode fire departments.

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