Fire Department Central Files
Series, 2801-03
- Dates
- 1890 – 2003
- Description
- Central file maintained by Fire Department administration. Combined with other record series from the department, the records present a very complete history of the Department, including changing technology and its local and national context. The change from horse-driven wagons to motorized vehicles is documented as well as the Departments’ participation in the Puget Sound Urban Search and Rescue group which traveled throughout the country in the 1990s to assist with various disasters. The Fire Department and its relationship to city government is reflected in the Administrative subseries, with annexations or with burn permits, and the Interdepartmental Subseries, where there is correspondence with most departments in the city, including the Mayor and the Office of Women’s Rights. Other municipal activities within the city can be researched in part by using records on building inspections, a charity ball for relief of the unemployed (1932), and fire investigations. Involvement at the federal level is documented through records relating to both World War I and II, the Urban Search and Rescue Team, civil defense activities, (including a black out exercise in 1942), the Federal Communications Commission and the National Fire Control and Prevention Administration, as well as professional activities. Internal operations are reflected in extensive files regarding equipment and apparatus, work day issues, safety, the Marine Division, and civil Service efficiency ratings. Fire prevention activities were an important aspect of the Fire Department. Captain Stephen Sanislo’s fire prevention activities are well documented from 1919 to 1949. Fire alarm systems, Fire Prevention Week and inspections are all included.
Three photographs have been digitized and are available online. - Encoded Archival Description (EAD)
- Go to full EAD guide