The creation of the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) can be traced back to July 6th, 1876, when the all-volunteer Seattle Engine Company No.1 was organized. In 1883, the City Charter was amended to create and fund equipment, but not staff, for a centralized municipal fire department. The volunteer-based system persisted until pressure from the insurance industry and citizens after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 forced the city council to reform Seattle's seven volunteer companies into a paid, professional unit of 32 men, organized into five district fire stations.
<p>In this image, 33 members of the SFD stand together, with two hose vehicles parked on the street behind them. The building on the right edge of the frame appears to be the firehouse.
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<ul><li>Subjects (LCTGM): Group portraits; Seattle (Wash.). Fire Department; Uniforms</li></ul>
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Unknown author<span style="display: none;">Unknown author</span></div>
circa 1910 <div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1910-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1480,Q5727902</div>
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/imlsmohai/search">Museum of History and Industry</a>