Support Us Button Widget

San Jose Fire Department celebrates 170th anniversary

Learn how you can celebrate our local fire department’s exciting milestone.

A black-and-white photo of a San Jose Fire Department firetruck dating back to 1880-1910.

Check out this early photo of a San Jose Fire Department vehicle dating back to the late 1800s.

Photo via History San José

170 years? Wow, we really are old.

When California became a state in 1850, San Jose became the first unincorporated city in the state. And with a growing population came a need for essential services.

Just four years later, San Jose was officially incorporated + the San Jose Fire Department was formed. The date is commemorated on badges worn by local firefighters today.

This Saturday, Jan. 27, the San Jose Fire Department will celebrate its 170th anniversary at Old Fire Station One on Market Street.

Stop by from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a free pancake breakfast, followed by a ceremony recognizing the long history of our city’s fire department — RSVPs are encouraged.

(Psst... The San Jose Fire Museum will also have its soft opening starting Saturday, Feb. 3.)

More from SJtoday
Ring in the Year of the Snake.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
To LA, with love — here’s how San Jose can help victims of the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles.
San Jose has an incredibly rich history that is showcased in museums throughout the area. From History Park to the Computer History Museum, pay a visit to these various spots to learn all there is to know about the great 408.
We love a game plan — here are some big events and festivals to look forward to this year in the great 408.
The biggest step in completing your New Year’s resolution? Show up.
Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in San Jose.
These San Jose gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
To help make your entire process at the San Jose Mineta Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s 41 nonstop flights.
Christmas in the Park, holiday pop-up bars, twinkling lights, and ice skating under the stars? We’d watch the heck out of this fictional, AI-generated holiday movie set in the great 408.