The City of California Fire Department has seen major changes in just about everything from its beginning on Jan. 5, 1911. It is not easy to determine which has changed the most - the firefighter training or the equipment available, for the individual firefighter, both personal and departmental. What hasn't changed is the dedication of the volunteer firefighters in the pursuit of serving the community.
It takes dedication to go through the training necessary to qualify as an actual firefighter. Recently, California Fire Chief Allen Smith sent out word that applications were being accepted from those interested in becoming firefighters. The applications are now being evaluated and interviews will be done soon.
Those selected will first go through an orientation presentation informing them about what the training program consists of, the duties of a firefighter and their role in emergency response.
"After the applicants see what being a firefighter is all about, they can make a decision as to whether they want to go on with the training program,' said Smith.
Those who decide to go on with program will go through a six-month training period. During that time, they will not be called to respond to emergencies. After training, they will respond and work with the more experienced firefighters to learn the job.
It is not just the new firefighters which go through training. In fact, frequent training is part of keeping the firefighters ready to respond to actual emergencies and up-to-date on the best methods and techniques. In addition to the regular firefighter training session the third Wednesday of every month, Smith seeks additional training for the firefighters, as time and funds are available. Keeping the firefighters trained and ready and the firefighting equipment up-to-date is the goal of the City of California and the fire chief.
The California Fire Department consists of a full time chief and 24 volunteer firefighters. The department is the primary entity in California for fire safety and emergency services. The department is also an automatic mutual aid department with California Rural Fire Protection District for motor vehicle accidents which require a fire and rescue response. It also serves a mutual aid response to other departments and districts as needed.
The department has four emergency vehicles. Lead truck 811 is the custom-built 2013 Pierce Saber pumper-rescue truck which brings the volunteer fire department the latest of small town fire fighting technology. The department also has in service - 810 - an older pumper truck, 850 - a ladder truck, and - 820 - a rescue truck.
A change within the past few years which makes the pump operator's job more efficient. Each hose hookup on the fire engines is now color-coded - purple, yellow or white. When a multitude of hoses stretched out to fight a fire, hoses, with nozzles to match, in the three colors, it's an easier job for the pump operator. That firefighter does not have to trace a hose from nozzle to coupling to determine which valve to shut off. "If it's a yellow hose, its the yellow valve," said Smith.
The department has made a long trek from the 1911 fire department to the 2015 department. The department began not long after the water tower at the corner of Owen and Patrick Street was built and water mains were installed. Prior to that, fires were fought by volunteer bucket brigades. And they weren't very effective.
After starting the new fire department a century ago, Fire Chief George Stegner, three Ward Captains and Chief of Fire Police C. G. Howard began fire drills, learning use of the latest small town fire equipment - hand-drawn reel carts with hose and hook and ladder wagons. There were three fire houses in different areas of the city for equipment storage and training.
The reel carts and hook and ladder wagons served the community until about 1925 when the fire department acquired a "motor truck." The California Fire Department continued to advance and in 1954 a new red Chevrolet fire engine was purchased and stored centrally at the Stella and High Street location. That "new" truck still is operable, but is 61 years old. It is used in parades. In 1993, the new California Fire Station was built at the intersection of Highway 50 and Industrial Drive. The work of the fire department and the duties of the fire chief continued to increase. Communications have long been a problem for the fire fighters.
In 1911, volunteers were called by the "wildcat whistle" at the woolen mill. There was a single blast for Ward One, two blasts for Ward Two and three blasts for Ward Three. While that system worked with the newest technology advance of the time - the telephone - it is now behind the times. Present day volunteers are called via a paging system operated by the 911 Emergency Dispatch Center. In addition, they are trained not only in firefighting, but also as First Responders and in vehicle extrication.
A hundred years ago, the best that could be hoped for was gloves and leather coats, worn over fireproof wool shirts and pants. The personal equipment now includes protective clothing and gear, even to include aself-contained breathing apparatus allowing a firefighter to enter burning buildings for possible rescues.
The department eventually required a full-time chief. In 1999, Smith, who had been chief since 1984, was appointed to the position. He continues to serve the community as fire chief.