Reno Fire Department History

Date:  4/29/2008  

Credits:  Most of the material in this history has been researched from newspaper articles of the times in The Reno Evening Gazette, The Nevada State Journal, and The Reno Gazette Journal, except where otherwise noted. Some of the information, pre-1908 also comes from the book Reno Fire Department Illustrated, compiled by Allen M. Robinette, published in the interests of the Firemen's Pension and Relief Fund in October 1908 and republished in 1975 by the Ladies Auxiliary to Reno Firefighters Local 731.

1860s

1860 - C.W. Fuller establishes a tavern near where the Riverside Hotel now stands and builds a bridge over the Truckee River. The bridge was later purchased by Myron C. Lake and became known as Lake’s Crossing.

May 1868 – City of Reno streets were laid out by Charles Crocker, one of the original founders of the Central Pacific Railroad.  Lots were placed on sale when the railroad was completed to Reno. Reno was named after US Army General Reno who was killed in the battle of South Mountain during the Civil War.

Fall 1868 – A small fire in a stable was quickly controlled.  It was started by an intoxicated teamster who discarded a lit cigar.  After the fire, several cisterns were established in the business district and buckets were strategically located for the use of volunteers.  There was a consensus that in the event of a fire all able bodied citizens should render help.  

Nov. 17, 1868 - Reno Hook and Ladder Company Number One was established.  The company had no equipment or apparatus.  (NSJ  6-29-1969)

1870s

April 4, 1871 - F. F. Osbiston presents the H & L company with its first piece of equipment, a shiny new fire bell.  (NSJ 6-29-1969)

April 8, 1871 - A citizen's fire prevention committee decides to build seven cisterns.  Costs are estimated at $1200.  $900 has already been raised.  The cisterns were constructed and the remaining funds were collected.  Constructed of wood, the cisterns held 1600 gallons each.  95 buckets were purchased and placed conveniently near the tanks for immediate use.  (NSJ 6-29-1969)

Oct. 8-10, 1871 – The Great Chicago (IL) Fire.  (Mrs. O’Leary’s cow myth)  Burned 34 blocks, 17,500 buildings, between 200-300 dead, loss at $222 million.

Oct. 8, 1871 – Peshtigo, WI prairie fire.  Burned 1.5 million acres.  Wiped out the town of Peshtigo and 1200 -1500 people died.  Largest loss of life fire in American history.

Nov. 9, 1872 – The Great Boston (MA) Fire.  Burned 65 acres, 776 buildings, at least 20 people died, loss at $75,000,000 ($3.5 billion in today’s dollars).

October 29, 1873 – At 10:30 PM, a fire originated in the Western Hotel on Commercial Row between Virginia and Sierra Sts.  Before the buckets could be found and the cisterns uncovered an entire block was burning.  Even though there was no wind, in a short time the entire business district was ablaze.  The fire burned the area bounded by Commercial Row, Second, Center and Sierra Sts., including over 100 buildings and caused losses estimated at $100,000.  Only two buildings in the area were left standing, the Laracomb and Hagerman buildings.  The CPRR fire engines from Wadsworth and Truckee helped fight the blaze.  The steam fire engine “S.T. Swift” responded from Carson City but was delayed due to a train mishap.  Shortly after this fire, a small “truck” carrying ladders, buckets and hooks was secured with money collected from merchants and property owners.  

Oct. 24, 1875 - Small fire on Commercial Row.

Oct. 25, 1875 - Five buildings burn in the center of Reno despite the heroic efforts of engineer Al Lyman and CPRR Engine 48.  Engine 48 was late to the fire because the engineer didn't hear the fire bell.  Damage was estimated at $25,000.  Engine No. 48 is a switch engine kept in the Reno rail yards.    Built by the Grant Locomotive Co. in 1867 she was originally named the Toiyabe.  Old No. 48 was a valuable firefighting asset for many years when fires occurred in Reno near the RR tracks.

October 26, 1875 – Virginia City ’s Great Fire started at 5:15 AM.  Reno sent aid.  The fire burned 30 blocks, ¾ x ½ mile.  Losses at $10,000,000.  

Oct. 31, 1875 - A group of 30 Reno citizens signed up as charter members of the fire department.  The new firemen went to examine the Hook and Ladder purchased in 1873 and found all of the ladders and buckets for dipping into the cisterns were nowhere to be found.

Nov. 10, 1875 – Reno Engine Company No. 1 was established and purchased a used 1863 Button and Blake hand pumper from Virginia City’s Washoe Engine Company No. 4 for $800.  The hand pumper had 9.5” cylinders and 7.5” stroke.  Washoe Engine Company No. 4 had purchased it new in Nov. 1863 for $2800. J. L. McFarlin was chosen unanimously as Foreman.  McFarlin offered a vacant lot between the Journal Building and his blacksmith shop as a firehouse site.

Jan. 1876 – Reno Engine Company No. 1 ordered a rotary steam fire engine from the Lafrance Co. of Elmira, NY.  There was a general debate on whether to purchase another hand pumper or a steam pumper.  The steamer won.  The steam fire engine cost $5000 and came with 1000' of hose and two hose carts. 

Feb. 22, 1876 - A steam fire engine bound for Woodland, CA went through town on a west bound freight train.  When it stopped temporarily in the freight yards, hundreds of Reno residents demanded the RR unload it. 

March 15, 1876 - The new steam pumper was unloaded and was enthusiastically paraded through all the principal streets in Reno.  All of the controls on the steamer had cards tied to them explaining the function of that control.  Operating instructions for the steamer had previously been received and printed in full in the Journal.  Also received from the Lafrance Co. were two hose carts and 1000' of hose.

March 18, 1876 - A demonstration of the new steamer was held and it threw a sparkling stream of water 200 feet into the air.

April 18, 1876 - Construction of the new fire house begins.  The building is 32' x 18', two stories high, surmounted by a cupola and bell.  The upper floor was for use of the firemen during meetings and the ground floor housed the steamer and hose carts.  The fire alarm signal was three long and two short blasts of No. 48's steam whistle.

May 22, 1876 - Old No. 48 and the hand pumper were first on scene of a small fire in a Chinese wash house.  The steamer was not needed.

July 4, 1876 - Reno Engine Co. No. 1 sponsors a 4th of July Celebration for the U. S. Centennial which includes a dance and a parade of all the department's equipment, including the gaily decorated new Lafrance pumper.  Reno Hose Cart No. 1 is organized with Lisle Jamison as Foreman.

Oct. 6, 1876 - A fire in Jacob Groff's bakery on Commercial Row was extinguished and prevented what could have easily been another conflagration.  Only two building were lost with damage estimated at $15,000.  After the fire a young man named August was reported missing.  His remains were located in the basement of the bakery.  August became the first fire fatality in Reno.  (NSJ 6-29-1969)

Feb. 13, 1877 - Depot Hotel fire.  A few minutes past one in the morning the fire bell rang again.  The upper floor of the Depot Hotel was engulfed in flames.  The Lafrance steamer and No. 48 fought the fire.  By the time the flames were subdued, the nine year old structure was damaged to the tune of $15,000.  Mrs. Lena Johnson, a chambermaid at the hotel, burned to death while trying to escape.  She became Reno's second fire fatality.  The Overland Train arrived at the height of the fire, barely squeezed past the burning hotel and discharged its passengers.  (NSJ 6-29-1969)

July 4, 1877 - The Reno FD sponsors a benefit dance for old No. 48.  The dance raised enough money to purchase enough hose to stretch from the RR tracks to Second St.

July 21, 1877 - Washoe Engine Co. No. 2 is formerly organized.  It was equipped with the old hand engine and was intended as a support group for Engine Co. 1.  (NSJ 6-29-1969)

1879 - The firehouse was moved from Front St. to the Plaza on land owned by the CPRR.

March 2, 1879 – Conflagration.  At 5:30 AM sparks from the chimney of a dwelling to the rear of Hagerman and Schooling on Sierra St. ignited a fire in strong winds.  Old No. 48 and the Lafrance steamer were pressed into service.  The volunteers manned the brakes until they were exhausted and then Chinese laborers were pressed into service and did a valiant job.  When they realized they couldn’t stop the fire they changed tactics and tried to save building contents before the fire reached them.  "The Pacific Ocean would have been needed to stop the hell that raged." said the Nevada State Journal.  Household items were carried out into the streets.  Material began burning in the streets so they carried as much as possible across the river.  Due to blowing embers some goods caught fire in the fields across the river.  In four hours, 10 blocks were destroyed, with a solitary building spared here and there.  Damage was tallied at $896,000.  Only $194,600 was covered by insurance.  (NSJ 6-29-1969)  The new three story convent survived and later became the Nevada Hotel.  The buildings owned by John Laracomb and Hagerman and Schooling survived, as they had in the 1873 fire.  Six people died.  Flying embers set fire to stacked hay and barns on ranches three miles away.  The Nevada legislature sent $10,000 in aid.  Carson and Virginia Cities sent trainloads of food and bedding.  Offers of aid came from Sacramento and San Francisco.  The fire burned 350 buildings and caused $750,000. in damages.  All records of the RFD were also lost in the fire.

1880s

March 14, 1882 – Reno Engine Co. No. 2 is established and admitted into the RFD.  

Dec. 31, 1882 – It was reported that six new cisterns had been added.

May 31, 1885 – A small hotel, the City Hotel is destroyed by fire during a high wind.  The FD prevented the fire from spreading.

May 4, 1886 – Reno Trustees purchased Virginia City’s Monumental Six steam fire engine.  Sold the hand engine and a hose cart to Bellevue, ID.

April 6, 1888 – The steamers saved Reno from another conflagration.  The fire started at the Central Hotel on the Plaza between Sierra and Virginia Sts.  It took 20 minutes to get the steamers fired up.  The reorganized Reno Engine Co. No. 1 was the only active fire company.  There were problems with water supply.  The reservoir of the Reno Water company was depleted.  Two weeks later, Reno Engine Company No. 2 was readmitted into the department.  J. L. McFarland and Charley Curtis were steward and engineer, respectively, and paid $30 per month each. 

The Reno Evening Gazette editor proposes the Washoe County Commissioners establish fire limits in the City of Reno, within which no wooden buildings would be allowed to be constructed.  Brick or stone would be the construction material of choice.

May 10, 1888 – Town Ordinance No. 27 created the Reno Fire Department.  The ordinance authorized two or more engine companies with 7-15 members each, Hook & Ladder and Hose Companies as deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees, one Chief and one Assistant Chief.  All costs of the FD, including salary, not to exceed $250 per month.  The Board of Trustees appointed an Engineer and Assistant Engineer.  The Engineer was "to take charge of, manage, and operate the fire engines."  The Engineer "handled the ribbons" when the horses galloped out.  The Chief was paid $60 monthly, the Engineer $30 monthly and the assistant $15 monthly.  

June 5, 1888 – The addition to the engine house on the Plaza of a sleeping room was completed and a building for a hose cart was finished on the south side of the river.

June 8, 1888 – A fundraising ball was hosted by Engine Co. No. 2.

Aug. 3, 1888 – Jerry Coughlin was hired as steward and engineer at $75 per month replacing McFarland and Curtis.  Each of Reno’s two engine companies is paid $20 per month.

Dec. 1, 1888 –Board of Trustees voted to pay T. K. Hymers (Truckee Stable) five dollars per incident for horses to pull a steamer to fires.  

Dec. 4, 1888 - H.J. Thyes resigns his position as Chief Engineer of the RFD.

Jan. 1889 - John Fraser is appointed Chief and G. B. Hymers Assistant Chief.

Feb. 5, 1889 – H. W. Thompson is hired as steward at $65 per month and Charles Courtis is hired as engineer at $35 per month replacing Coughlin.

May 9, 1889 – Monumental Engine Co. No. 6 in service.

May 26, 1889 – Conflagration.  This afternoon a fire originated in the Nevada Theater building at the corner of Commercial Row and Center St., opposite the Depot Hotel.  The Depot hotel was destroyed.  The FD stopped the fire from progressing westward and burning the Palace Hotel.  If the fire had not been stopped the entire business district would have burned again.  Losses were placed at $250,000.  Two hose carts and a large amount of hose were also destroyed.  The Nevada State Journal proposed a paid FD and “a little higher tax rate.”  

May 30, 1889 - A public meeting held in Reno passed a motion to petition the Washoe County Commission to require brick or stone buildings in the rebuilding of the business district.  The meeting also endorsed requesting that the freight yards be moved out of town so switching and the making up of trains would not disrupt the downtown area.

June 8, 1889 – A new ordinance was recently passed creating fire limits and providing for the better protection of the town.

June 30, 1889 – Engine Cos. 1 and 2 disbanded due to criticism and lack of community support related to May 26, 1889 fire.

1890s

Jan. 30, 1891 – RFD equipment consisted of:  1876 LaFrance Steamer, 1874 Clapp & Jones Steamer, 2 large hose carts, 1ea. 18’ and 20’ ladders, 2200 feet of old hose, 500 feet of new hose, 1 fuel cart, 1 small iron cart and 1 hand engine (not in use.)

March 25, 1891 – The Board of Trustees purchase a team of black horses.  The Engine house is enlarged.  

Oct. 28, 1891 - The County Commission advertises, soliciting for bids to build a cistern on the plaza in front of the court house, 10' deep x 20' in diameter, covered with arched brick and leak-proof.  Richard Ryland builds the cistern for $499.

Oct. 1891 - The Washoe Co. Commission receives a petition from Reno citizens "relative to a more efficient fire service."  The Trustees are handed the petition.  Chief John Fraser resigns.

Dec. 29, 1891 - Fire Chief Jack Frasier resigns through the press.  The County Commission did not act on his earlier resignation.  He recommends a paid fire department.

March 25, 1892 – Grand Jury report recommends a paid system, electric fire alarm telegraph, new engines, new engine house, horses for hose carts.

Jan. 1, 1893 – The records of Monumental Engine Co. No. 6 show they responded to seven fires, five false alarms and turned out for practice three times the previous year.

April 14, 1893 – The Board of Trustees installed Peter Wynn as a paid driver at a salary of $50 per month.  The team and driver to be employed for fire purposes only.  

Aug. 12, 1893 - Reno Town Ordinance No. 38, defining the fire limits of the town of Reno is amended.

1893 - Washoe County Commissioners approve the purchase of 500' of "Boston Fire Jacket Brand 2-1/2 inch fire hose" for $499.50.

September 4, 1895 – State University students form a fire company using the  old hand engine and a hose cart with 500’ of hose.  

Sept. 5, 1895 - S. W. Peek resigns as RFD steward.  The Commission appoints Lee Hawcroft to fill his place.  James Carroll is appointed driver to replace Peter Wynn.

March 1896 – Boiler of Monumental Engine Co. No. 6 is replaced.

Sept. 24, 1896 - The German and Leon lumber mill on East Sixth St. is destroyed by fire.

Oct. 6, 1896 - The FD cistern at Second and West Sts. is nearly complete.

March 22, 1898 - Lee Hawcroft leaves the RFD and takes a job at the planing mill.  His position is filled by G. R. Dean.

Sept. 1898 – RFD has 2 paid engineers.  

April 1899- The following information is taken from the Sanborn Fire Insurance map of this date.  The population of Reno is 5,500. 

The Reno Water, Land and Light Co. provides water for the City of Reno from the Truckee River through a 14 mile ditch to a four million gallon earth reservoir located four miles north of Reno, elevated about 182 feet above the level of the town.  Reno has ten cisterns and fifteen fire hydrants.  Average pressure in the system is 40 pounds.

The Fire Department consists of two Engineers and one driver fully paid, one chief and one substitute driver partially paid and ten volunteer Hosemen for a total of fifteen members.  One 2^nd class Clapp and Jones and one 3^rd class LaFrance Steamers, two horses, three two-wheeled hand hose carts, 1500 feet 1^st class rubber lined cotton hose and 1000 feet serviceable hose in reserve.  All apparatus kept in the Engine House at Commercial Row and Virginia St.  Three irrigation ditches flow through town and whenever same crosses streets, openings are left for engines.

The Fire Limits are: West St. from the river to the Plaza to the west, the Truckee River to the south, the buildings facing south on the plaza are in the limits on the north,  Peavine St. to Second St., Second St. to Center St. and Second and Center south to the River on the east side.  By city ordinance, no combustible buildings are allowed to be constructed inside the fire limits. 

April 21, 1899 – SPRR wrote a letter to the Board of Commissioners complaining of the state of repair of the engine house on the plaza.  Property the building is on belongs to the railroad.

October 18, 1899 – Construction was started on the foundation for a new fire house at Commercial Row and West St .

Dec. 27, 1899 – Chief Hogkinson’s request for a new hose wagon, horses and two paid men for the new station is approved.  Negotiation were started with R.S. Chapman, the Pacific Coast agent for American LaFrance Company.  District attorney required purchase to be put out for bid.  Meister and Co. of Sacramento, CA was low bidder at $480.50.  Fire Department has problems with the workmanship of this hose wagon for years.

1900s

Jan. 30, 1900 – The old engine house on the plaza is vacated.  Companies move into the new station to be called Central Station.

June 1900 – Bell hung in the tower of Central.  The bell, weighing 1000 lbs., came from Salinas, CA and cost $200, money for which was raised by popular subscription.  Ex-Chief Hodgkinson raised the money while he was Chief.

Feb. 19, 1900 – Reno Lumber Co. Fire on H block at the corner of Third and Ralston Streets.  The office building and a 200 foot long shed were destroyed.  Both engines worked the fire, having five or six streams going and held the fire to the lumber yard.

Aug. 13, 1900 – Reno City Ordinance No. 53 made it unlawful to tamper with the Gamewell fire alarm telegraph system.

August 26, 1900 – A fire on the University grounds caused the total loss of the Government Experimental Station.  Three boys and a man pulled a hose wagon up the hill to the university.  Reno Evening Gazette:  FD needs a horse for the hose wagon.

August 3, 1900 – Fire damages the bottling works of the Washoe Brewery.

Jan. 13, 1901 – The stables of the Riverside Hotel burn.

April 20, 1901 – Fire at the residence of Wah Lee.  This fire was the first appearance of the new horse for the hose wagon.

July 17, 1901 – A Reno Evening Gazette editorial supports the appointment of a Fire Marshall to establish fire lines at fires and ensure that no unauthorized persons are allowed to enter fire scenes.  As it is now, when a fire occurs, people crowd around and impede the work of the firemen.

Oct. 17, 1901 – The Reno Evening Gazette contained an announcement that the Reno FD would host a masquerade ball on Thanksgiving night.

Dec. 21, 1901 – The Fire Board is composed of R. C. Leeper, Pres.; A. G. Fletcher, H. J. Darling, Jay Clemmon, and Richard Ryland, trustees; D. B. Boyd, secretary.  S. J. Hodgkinson, Chief; Lee Hawcroft and S. Fogus, engineers; Andy Tilman, engine driver; Charles Gessner, hose wagon driver; C. Thurston, extra driver.  W. W. Webster is foreman of the volunteer company.  Equipment consists of one hose wagon, two steamers, four horses (two for the steamers and two for the hose wagon), 2250 feet of hose.  Staffing is 16 men, four of whom are always on duty.

Jan. 6, 1902 -  Reno Evening Gazette publishes request for proposals for bids to provide a new state of the art steam pumper.

Jan. 21, 1902 – Bid of the American Fire Engine Co. for a new steamer is accepted by the Board of County Commissioners for $5353.20.

April 3, 1902 – Reno Mill and Lumber Co. planning mill fire.

April 29, 1902 – Engine 1 (LaFrance steamer) is sent to the bone yard after 26 years of service.  Sold for $75 as scrap.

June 8, 1902 – The RFD accepts a new American steam fire engine from R.S. Chapman.  Cost $5353.  The steamer produced steam from cold water in 5 minutes, 8 minutes to produce a good stream.  It threw the stream 275’ when limbered up.

July 10, 1902 – A residential structure fire in a double tenement at 102 West St. destroys the building and causes the death of the infant daughter of A. V. Nelson.  Several nearby structures caught fire but were extinguished.

1903 – Iroquois Theater Fire.  Chicago (IL)  571 dead.  This deadly fire spurred development of strict public assembly building codes across the U.S.

March 16, 1903 – The City of Reno incorporated for the second time.

May 14, 1903 – The Fire Department is placed under the command of the Chief of Police R. C. Leeper.

Aug. 12, 1903 – The Meister Hose Wagon was in the shop when a fire consumed a city block located between Second and Third Streets and Washington and Winter Streets.  Losses at $12,000.  The horses pulling the reserve hose wagon bolted because of the racket of the wagon and laid several hundred feet of hose in the street. There was a ten minute delay from when the fire was first noticed until the alarm was sounded from Box 25.

September 23, 1903 – Truckee Livery Barn owned by T. K. Hymers is destroyed by fire.  Thirty horses burned to death.  Loss estimated at $50,000.  The fire originated on the second floor and quickly moved to the roof.  The FD had trouble reaching the seat of the fire due to lack of adequate ladders.

Oct. 10, 1903 – Fire in the plumbing shop of Ainley & Son on the Plaza between Sierra and Virginia Streets.

Dec. 14, 1903 – The City water distribution system is not keeping up with growth.

Dec. 15, 1903 – An order for new fire equipment was placed with R. S. Chapman for one steam fire engine (same type as No. 3) for $5603.25; one 60 gal. double cylinder chemical wagon for $3007.41; one combination single cylinder chemical and hose wagon for $2540.44; one hook and ladder truck with rear steering gear for $2864.20; 1500 feet of fire hose rated at 90 psi working pressure at 90 cents per foot for a total of $1350 and necessary fire harness for $250.

Dec. 23, 1903 – A telephone line was installed between the City Hall Fire Chief’s office and Central fire station.

Jan. 23, 1904 – Fire at the Troy Steam Laundry.  A Nevada State Journal editorial opined the fire demonstrated the need for a full time fire chief.

Feb. 24, 1904 – City Ordinance No. 16 requiring public assembly occupancies to meet exiting requirements 

Feb. 25, 1904 – Two Fire Department Captains are named by the City Council.  Lee Hawcroft is named day captain and S. Fogus is named night captain.

April 12, 1904 – The new steamer arrived in Reno.

June 15, 1904 – W.W. Webster is named Fire Chief by the City Council.  Webster was formerly foreman of the Monumental Engine Co. No. 6.

June 30, 1904 – The new American LaFrance Metropolitan steamer fights its first fire at the workshop of the Sciocchetti Brothers.

July 5, 1904 – City Ordinance No. 24 fixes the salary of the Fire Chief at $1500 per year and defines his duties and responsibilities.

July 15, 1904 – Reno firemen are paid $65 per month.

July 21, 1904 – Charles H. Ball, Fred W. Morrill, David E. Miller, E. A. Luke, George W. Reid, Albert Sessions and M. A. Kussel appointed to the Fire Department.

Aug. 1904 – An addition to the Central fire station is completed.  The addition includes a third bay for the truck and a tower on which the fireman are to practice ladder operations.

Aug. 2, 1904 – FD at full strength of 14 men, including the Chief.

Nov. 16, 1904 – The International Bioscope Company of New York and London produces an action motion picture featuring the Reno Fire Department.  Film will be shown in Reno at the McKissick Opera House and other west coast cities.  

Dec. 13, 1904 - Reno City Ordinance No. 30 is amended to adjust the fire limits.  The fire limits shall run down the centerline of the streets starting at the intersection of Fourth and West Sts. running east on Fourth St. to the intersection with East St.  Then south on East St. to the intersection with the north bank of the Truckee River.  Then west along the north bank of the Truckee River to the centerline of West St.  Thence north along the centerline of West St. until the place of beginning (intersection of Fourth and West Sts.)

March 13, 1905 – “Old John”, a big dark bay horse that has been in the RFD since 1891 (14 years) is very sick.

April 20, 1905 – The Chemical engine extinguishes a blaze in the basement of the Riverside School, thought to have been started by children smoking.

July 3, 1905 – The FD consisted of one Chief paid $1500 per year, two Engineers (one of whom is the Assistant Chief) paid $1350 per year, one assistant Engineer paid $1020 per year, four drivers paid $80 per month, one  tillerman, two chemical men and four pipemen all paid $75 per month.

Nov. 28, 1905 – Charles Brown appointed to the FD, replacing W. Scott Boone who resigned.

Jan. 9, 1906 – The Chemical engine extinguishes a residential fire at 774 W. Fourth St. caused by a defective flue.

Jan. 24, 1906 – Two new men authorized, for a total of 16.

March 15, 1906 – The Avansino and Paganini Saloon on Virginia St. is gutted by fire and the roof burned away.  The fire is confined to one building.

May 24, 1906 – Andy Tilman, George Reid, and Butch Wilfritt resign.

October 25, 1906 – The City Council authorizes the FD to carry ropes and stakes to cordon off the streets to prevent unauthorized persons from interfering with fire scene operations.

Jan. 21, 1907 – The City’s reservoirs are nearly empty.  The ditches supplying the reservoir and the pipes supplying the water system are clogged with ice. 

April 17, 1907 – The Olympic Pavilion Theater and skating rink is destroyed by fire.  The FD is credited with stopping the spread of flames.

June 4, 1907 – The City considers a new Sub Fire Station for the Southside.

Aug. 15, 1907 – Three buildings consumed by fire:  Hammontree’s Livery stable, the Manning Building and the Tremont Hotel.  The FD is criticized for lack of organized effort and failure to establish fire lines to control the crowd.

Aug. 17, 1907 – A telephone is installed in the Fire Station for use in reporting fires.

Aug. 19, 1907 – Fireman Kussel is fined for assault on a newspaperman who wrote an article critical of FD’s performance at the Aug. 15^th fire.

Aug. 29, 1907 – Explosion but no fire at the Nevada Meat Co. on East Fourth St.

1908 – Reno’s population is about 18,000.

Jan. 21, 1908 – Fire at the Palace Hotel on the corner of Center St. and Commercial Row.  The second and third floors were destroyed.  The lower floor containing a saloon and gambling rooms was saved although it was damaged by water.

Feb. 28, 1908 – While responding to an alarm south of town, the Steamer crashed into the Chemical at Second and Virginia Streets and was forced onto the sidewalk and through the bank window.

Nov. 1, 1908 – City Ordinance No. 85 establishes a requirement to obtain a permit for oil storage tanks inside the Reno City fire limits 

May 26, 1908 - Chief Webster is on extended leave of absence due to pneumonia.

August 12, 1908 – The Chemical engine extinguishes a fire in the Chism Dairy caused by faulty wiring in the roof.

October 10, 1908 – The new Southside fire station is accepted from the contractor.  Occupancy expected in less than 60 days.  The RFD equipment consists of a Gamewell automatic switchboard system with 34 boxes, 2 Metropolitan engines, 1 combination chemical wagon, 1 chemical wagon, 1 hook and ladder truck, 1 hose wagon and 11 horses.

Oct. 27, 1908 – The FD saves a home occupied by George Wingfield at the corner of Flint and Ridge Streets.

Dec. 18, 1908 – A group of Chinese hire an attorney to sue the City of Reno after the Reno FD burns down shacks in Chinatown on orders from the Grand Jury and the Board of Health for sanitary reasons.

Jan. 22, 1909 – A fire engine gets stuck in the mud at the corner of Second and Virginia Streets.

March 2, 1909 – The Palace and Arcade buildings on Commercial Row are destroyed by fire.  Flames are fanned by high winds.

March 10, 1909 – Two residential buildings at Park and Scott Streets are destroyed by fire.  Despite the high winds, the Reno FD prevents the loss of other nearby residences.

May 15, 1909 – The Manning Building on the Plaza is destroyed by flames.  Complete loss of the three story brick building valued at $30,000 plus $15,000 contents.  The fire started in a large pile of mattresses near the furnace room in the basement of the Campbell Furniture Company's store.  The fire was discovered shortly after noon.  By 3 PM the building is a skeleton of brick walls and charred timbers and threatened to spread to nearby residential areas.  The stock of the Groesbeck and Alter undertaking parlors is also destroyed. 

Sept. 1, 1909 – Firemen and equipment are utilized to wash down pavement in the business district twice a week.  Firemen are criticized for injuring the pavement.

Dec. 22, 1909 – Fire destroys the St. Thomas Catholic Church and the Wheelman Theater.  Losses set at $100,000.

1910s

Feb. 14, 1910 – August Schaffer, 43 year old male, dies in a fire that originated in the basement of the McKissick Hotel on Sierra St. where he was the night boiler tender.  The FD kept the fire confined to the basement.         

March 7, 1910 – The FD adopts a black and white bull terrier as a mascot.

April 2, 1910 – The FD’s mascot, Judy is run over and killed while running to a fire.

April 18, 1910 – The Mohawk Dairy is destroyed by fire.

May 26, 1910 – A FD Steamer gets stuck in the mud on the way to a fire at 120 Washington St.  The blaze was extinguished by a chemical engine.

July 8, 1910 – A Grand Jury report calls for improvements to the City’s water distribution system.

Feb. 14, 1911 – Fire Chief Webster reports to the City Council.  There was only one fire in January. The fire on the 26th was a small one in the rear of the Grand Central Hotel.  One member of the FD was placed on LWOP for 30 days for reporting for duty unfit. One member was laid off for fighting.  L. H. Terry was appointed to fill the vacancy.

Feb. 25, 1911 – The RFD smoke helmets were sent to Tonopah to assist in recovering the remains of miners killed in the Belmont mine tragedy.

March 14, 1911 – While responding to a fire in the northwest, a heavy FD steamer could not make it up the hill on Ralston St.

March 31, 1911 – Incendiary fire at the Russ House, 237 N. Center St.  Two separate ignition points.  The Russ House was the first brick building on Center St.

July 11, 1911 – W. W. Webster resigns his position as Fire Chief.  Ralph B. Hawcroft appointed Chief effective July 22^nd.

Jan. 6, 1912 – City water reservoirs nearing empty.  Supply ditches are frozen.  Crews are working to clear the ice.

Jan. 9, 1912 – The Fire Chief reports to the City Council.  In 1911 there were 55 fire alarms.  33 actual fires involving property.  FD equipment - at the Central Station there are two second size Metropolitan engines, one 120 gal. chemical engine, one hose truck and one ladder truck - at the South Side Station there is one 60 gal combination chemical engine and hose wagon.

Feb. 15, 1912 – A fire in a bathroom in the Lincoln Hall dorm at the University is held in check until the RFD arrives by student volunteers with a chemical engine.

May 13, 1912 – The FD responds to four fires in 20 hours.

June 20, 1912 – Three buildings on East Fourth St. are destroyed by a fire in heavy wind.  Franke’s Bakery, Richter’s Blacksmith shop and the Rice building.

July 12, 1912 – While flushing and testing fire hydrants, the FD found muddy water and the lowest pressure recorded since the FD began testing. 

July 26, 1912 – The FD extinguishes a tough blaze in the basement of the Home Restaurant in the Overland Hotel annex on Second St.

Sept. 5, 1912 – L. D. Luck, surveyor for the Sanborn Co. is in town updating Sanborn (Fire Insurance) maps.

Oct. 29, 1912 – The Chemical engine extinguishes a blaze in the Saturno Building caused by a malfunction in an oil heater in the basement of the three story building.  It is the largest apartment building in Reno, containing 90 apartments and 200 occupants.

April 17, 1913 – Joseph Enos was appointed to the FD to replace John Ball.

Sept. 30, 1913 – A fire in a 3000 gal. oil tank produced a lot of black smoke.  The FD cut a hole in the wooden roof of the tank and extinguished the fire with chemicals.

Oct. 17, 1913 – The Nevada Hardware and Supply Co. Fire.  A fire destroys the Nevada Hardware and Supply Co.’s store on Sierra St.  The three story brick building is destroyed.  Loss set at $150,000.  Since the structure’s walls were brick, the FD was able to keep the fire from spreading beyond the building of origin.

May 16, 1914 – In April there was only one fire with a loss of about $1000.

July 16, 1914 – Discussions were held at a City Council meeting regarding budgeting to purchase a motorized fire apparatus.

July 25, 1914 – The RFD is invited to organize a team, receive instruction from the Red Cross on First Aid and compete in a field meet on Labor Day.  

Aug. 1, 1914 - World War I begins in Europe.

Sept. 2, 1914 – Chief Hawcroft returns from San Francisco where he attended a meeting of the Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Association.  While at the meeting, the Chiefs inspected the fire protection systems for the Panama-Pacific Exposition and saw all manner of motorized fire apparatus.

Oct. 30, 1914 – Firemen flush and clean all the fire plugs.

Jan. 27, 1915 – Chief Hawcroft requests a motorized fire apparatus in this year’s budget, additional hose and two smoke helmets.  The FD responded to 49 alarms in 1914 – the smallest number in nine years.

Feb. 1, 1915 – Fireman Earl Taylor suffered a compound fracture of his left leg between the knee and ankle when he was thrown from a horse while exercising it at Central fire station.

Feb. 9, 1915 – The FD budget for fiscal year 1915-1916 is estimated at $24,750 out of a total City budget of $148,000.

March 6, 1915 – The N-C-O depot is damaged by fire.

April 20, 1915 – The FD answered 14 alarms since the first of the year, 5 of them in March.

April 21, 1915 – A fire damages a three story brick building at 25 W. Second St.  The Colorado Grocery occupies the ground floor where the fire started and the lodgers at the Anderson Hotel, which occupies the second and third floors were safely evacuated.

June 15, 1915 – A bill submitted to the City Council by Dr. B. F. Cunningham for treating Fireman R. E. Taylor’s broken leg was denied.

Oct. 4, 1915 – A fire at the Washoe Market on Virginia St. causes $18,000 in damage.  The origin of the blaze was in the basement.

Nov. 24, 1915 – City Council sets salaries.  Fire Chief:  $1800; Assistant Chief and Engineer:  $1440; Assistant Engineer:  $1260; Five drivers:  $1200; two truckmen, four chemicalmen, and four hosemen:  $1140.

Dec. 31, 1915 – The Grand Jury recommends closing the South Side Station.  

Jan. 11, 1916 – Chief Hawcroft recommends selling the South Side Station and building two smaller stations; one on South Virginia St. and one on East Fourth St.  In 1915 the FD responded to 66 alarms (32 were telephoned in).  48 were actual fires with a net loss of $8144 after insurance reimbursement.  Chimney fires were the largest category.

Feb. 3, 1916 – The Reno School Board considers buying the South Side Station.

Feb. 4, 1916 – Small fires originated in the basements of both the YMCA building and the Van Buren building on East Second St. yesterday.  Origins of both fires were the building heating systems.

Feb. 9, 1916 – The City solicits bids for a motorized combination chemical and hose wagon and two motorized chassis on which to place the chemical apparatus of the City’s two horse drawn chemical wagons.

Feb. 29, 1916 – The representatives of the nine manufacturers who submitted bids for motorized fire apparatus will make presentations to the City Council tonight.

July 19, 1916 – The City solicits bids for two motorized combination chemical and hose wagons with all associated equipment.

Aug. 5, 1916 – The FD has responded to one fire every day for the last seven days.  This morning’s fire was a chimney fire at 8 AM at the Session’s residence at 150 West St.

Aug. 6, 1916 – A fire originating in the basement of Manzanita Hall at the University got into the coal stored in the basement and was very difficult to extinguish.

Oct. 25, 1916 – A siren in place at the corner of Second and Virginia Streets to warn people to clear the streets when the fire apparatus from Central Station heads to an alarm south of the river.

Nov. 1, 1916 – The Vernon Hotel on the Plaza near Virginia St. was damaged beyond repair by a fire this morning.

Dec. 28, 1916 – A city block in the business district of Winnemucca (NV) was destroyed by fire.  Seven buildings were lost.  Loss was estimated at $70,000. 

Jan. 16, 1917 – Annual report of the Fire Chief to City Council:  The FD answered 96 alarms, 62 of which were actual fires.  The largest percentage was chimney fires.  The FD used 2316 gallons of chemicals, laid 19,200 feet of hose and raised 614 feet of ladders. 

Jan. 22, 1917 – The FD budget for FY1917 is $43,000 out of a $191,000 City budget. 

Feb. 26, 1917 – Neighbors of the South Side Fire Station protest its sale to the School Board.  They’re concerned the sale will lower their property values. 

March 15, 1917 – Two new motorized Seagrave Combination Chemical and Hose wagons are placed in service.  These two apparatus are Reno’s first motorized fire apparatus. 

April 6, 1917 - The United States declares war on Germany, formally entering World War I.

Oct. 14, 1917 – Fire destroys the Riverside Garage and 21 autos inside valued at $30,000.  The Washoe County Jail adjoining the garage was threatened but not damaged and no prisoners were evacuated. 

Nov. 8, 1917 – The new fire apparatus were shipped from the factory.  They will probably be here next week.  The new bungalow style fire station will be done by the 21^st. 

Nov. 29, 1917 – A large residence and a cabin in Verdi (NV) are destroyed by fire along with a large area of brush.  Reno FD sent mutual aid. 

Dec. 21, 1917 – The FD gives a demonstration of the new ALF Aerial ladder truck.  The ladder was fully extended (85’) to the top of the Clay  Peters  Building in 20 seconds after the signal was given.

Jan. 2, 1918 – The RFD has five motorized apparatus at three fire stations.  The apparatus will be “exercised” everyday with a run of a block or more just like the FD used to do with the horses. 

Jan. 4, 1918 – The FD gives a demonstration of the new apparatus, including raising the 85’ aerial on the Clay Peters building. 

Jan. 9, 1918 – Fireman Henry Kolster falls 18’ while sliding the pole at Central and breaks his leg.

Jan. 29, 1918 – Annual report of Fire Chief R. B. Hawcroft.  The RFD responded to 55 alarms in 1917.  The most frequent cause is burning chimneys.  The cost of maintaining horses prior to motorization was $21 each per month.  Maintenance of the motorized apparatus at Central station is $8.84 each per month.

Feb. 28, 1918 - The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is organized in Washington, DC under the umbrella of the American Federation of Labor.  36 delegates from 24 locals attended the first convention.

Nov. 11, 1918 - Armistice Day.  An Armistice is signed in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, ending World War I. 

Dec. 5, 1918 – A fire in a second floor lab at the Chemistry building at the University is held to one room.  The equipment and contents of the lab were destroyed.

Dec. 7, 1918 – The proposed City budget for 1919 includes $28,000 for FD salaries and $3000 for supplies and expenses.  The citizens of the state of Nevada passed a prohibition law.  The city’s income is expected to decrease 21% due to loss of tax revenue related to liquor sales.

Dec. 30, 1918 – The Truckee River is frozen solid for the first time in 10 years.  The FD pumps water on to the ice at night to resurface the ice for the next day’s skating.  A fire originating in the basement of the Congregational Church on Virginia St. at Fifth St. did $13,000 in damage.

Jan. 15, 1919 – Fire Chief Hawcroft reported that the FD responded to 69 alarms in 1918.  50 of those were fires.  22 of the fires were extinguished using one of the chemical engines alone.

Jan. 23, 1919 – The 1918 City budget was $201,139.  $29,333 was spent by the FD.

March 3, 1919 – 40^th anniversary of Reno's Great Fire of 1879.

June 24, 1919 – The RFD adopts a two platoon system of staffing.  Firemen will work 12 hour shifts, days for two weeks then nights for two weeks.  Firemen will be allowed to spend the days (or nights) at their homes.  Fire alarm gongs will be installed in each fireman’s home.

Sept. 6, 1919 – The City Council considers the construction of a new bridge over the Truckee River at the west end of Riverside Dr.  The Council also considers purchasing Bell Isle for use as a city park.

Sept. 17, 1919 – The City Council increases the salaries of city employees.  The Assistant Engineer and three Captains in the fire department increase from $120 to $125 per month; Firemen increase from $115 to $120 per month; firemen with less than six months receive $100; firemen with six months to a year receive $110 per month.  Salaries of department heads are fixed by City Charter.  The Fire Chief’s salary is $2100 per annum; the two Engineers, one of whom is the Assistant Chief, receive $140 per month.  All FD employees receive 15 days of annual layoff with pay.

Dec. 18, 1919 – Firemen flood the ice on the Truckee River to smooth the surface for skaters.

 1920s

1920 is the beginning of the Prohibition Era.  The 18th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution prohibiting the sale, manufacture or transport of alcoholic beverages was ratified Jan. 16, 1919 and took effect a year later.  The Volstead Act prohibited the possession of alcoholic beverages.  The 18th Amendment was repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933.  During this period there were illegal stills and bars in Reno.  The stills were often in unsafe locations and the bars were often overcrowded with inadequate exiting.

Jan. 13, 1920 – The RFD answered 73 alarms last year.  The cost of maintaining the motorized fire apparatus was $9.26 per month for each piece.

Jan. 20, 1920 – The 1920 budget estimate for the RFD is $44,670 out of a total city budget of $526,562.

Feb. 7, 1920 – A new city traffic ordinance regulates most matters pertaining to automobiles. Downtown parking is severely restricted and regulated to ensure clearance for emergency vehicles, gives the FD, funerals, and street cars right of way over other motor vehicles, and prohibits parking within 20 feet of fire hydrants or intersections.

Feb. 11, 1920 – A warrant is issued for Mr. Zinnini for violating the city ordinance regulating controlled burns.  Mr. Zinnini failed to obtain a permit or notify the FD and burned outside of the allowed hours of 6 to 10 AM.  His fire spread to the Brewington barn on S. Virginia St. and destroyed that building and its contents.

May 25, 1920 – The City Council will meet with FD employees to discuss proposed wage increases for City employees.

June 24, 1920 – A small fire occurred in the Savoy Rooming House on Sierra St.

June 28, 1920 – The Hook and Ladder truck and the Chemical engine collided while making the turn from Virginia St. on to Liberty St.  The H & L hit a post which supports the trolley wires.  It tore off a large piece of the post, the frame supporting the engine was broken and the fenders on the left side were both badly damaged.

July 19, 1920 – A fire destroyed the Verdi Box factory, railroad cars and a couple of homes in Verdi, NV.  Loss estimated at $300,000.

Aug. 2, 1920 – Explosion in the C.E. Mack Garage building in downtown Reno.

Sept. 27, 1920 – Chief Hawcroft attends the Fire Chiefs convention Los Angeles, CA.

Nov. 8, 1920 – While responding to a fire on the Southside, the Hook and Ladder truck skids on the new pavement at Front and Lake Streets this morning and turns over, nearly going into the irrigation ditch.

Dec. 10, 1920 – The FD responded to two chimney fires.  Neither case reported any damage.

Jan. 5, 1921 – One of the Combination Chemical and hose engines broke through the bridge deck while crossing an irrigation ditch on the way to a reported fire at the University Experimental Farm.  It took the firemen two hours to work the engine off the bridge.

Jan. 11, 1921 – The City budget is $261,519.  The FD is funded at $39,060 for salaries; $4,000 for expenses and supplies; $7,200 for water and fire purposes.

Jan. 15, 1921 – Hot ashes placed in a wooden receptacle were responsible for a blaze that started on the second floor of the Savoy Hotel at 235 N. Sierra St.  $2000 in damage.

April 18, 1921 – A fire damages the Chism Apartment Building at Second and West Streets.  $2500 damage.

May 25, 1921 – Two 12 year old boys are arrested for setting several fires over the last two months.

July 4, 1921 – RFD units participate in the July 4^th Parade.  Parade start was delayed while the units responded to an alarm.

July 9, 1921 – Notices are sent out to all property owners and published in the newspaper to abate weeds or the City will have it done.

July 30, 1921 – 75 sheep and a cow burn to death in a fire at Humphries’ slaughter house north of Reno.

Sept. 21, 1921 – The RFD puts on a special “run” as part of a festival for orphan kids sponsored by the Rotary Club.

Dec. 16, 1921 – City ordinance puts responsibility for sign inspections in the hands of the Fire Chief.

Dec. 20. 1921 – Thirty occupants of the Stratford Apartments on Court St. were left homeless this morning by a fire that started in a defective oil burner in the basement.  $17,500 in damage.  Fire apparatus had difficulty with traction on the snow covered streets.

March 15, 1922 - The Riverside Hotel Fire.  The Riverside Hotel is completely destroyed by fire.  The fire started in the basement about 2 AM.  Many guests were rescued by means of ladders. By 4 AM the fire department stopped trying to extinguish the fire and turned their attentions to saving the adjoining structures.  L. A. Sheppard, the Chemical engine driver was injured by a loose nozzle/hose.  The two steam engines were used at this fire.  21 firemen were on the job. The building had no structural steel or fire walls.  The estimated value of the loss was $250,000.

March 15, 1922 – A large, wind driven fire destroys several blocks in Chicago, IL.  One fireman is killed and another seriously injured.  Loss estimated at $10-15 million.

March 31, 1922 – Three men were arrested for turning in false fire alarms in order to rob the fire stations while the firemen were away.

May3, 1922 – Fire in the Riverside Annex.  Firemen start inspecting all businesses in Reno to encourage them to clear out inflammable substances.

July 18, 1922 – Rubberneckers at fires continue to impede fire department responses.

July 20, 1922 - Fire Chief Hawcroft objects to the installation of a 15,000 gallon oil storage tank on the site of the new Hotel Golden.  City Council overrides the Chief’s objections. 

Sept. 12, 1922 – The Reno FD participates in Orphan Day, sponsored by the Reno Rotarians, by staging a demonstration run for the kids.

Dec. 8, 1922 – A conflagration destroys most of the City of Astoria, OR.  Thirty  city blocks burned with an estimated loss of $10 million.

Jan. 11, 1923 – 12,647 automobiles were registered in NV in 1922.  The city council legislative program proposes to amend the City Charter to allow the council to annex additional territory.  Property owners just outside the city limits receive the benefits of living in the city without helping to pay for them. Reno’s 1923 budget projected to be $270,000.  $50,000 is for the FD.

Jan. 13, 1923 – RFD personnel and salaries:  1 Chief - $2700; 1 Ass’t Chief - $1860; 1 Chief Engineer - $1860; 1 Ass’t Engineer - $1680; 3 Captains - $1680; 16 Firemen - $1620.

July 2, 1923 – An elderly Reno man is likely to die of burns sustained in a kitchen fire.  A forest fire threatens the City of Carson. One square mile of forest and brush burned in Vesey Canyon west of town.

July 6, 1923 – A fire destroys nine blocks of Goldfield, NV.  Loss set at $500,000.

Aug. 11, 1923 – Three buildings burn on East Fourth St.  The stables of the American Railway Express Co.; the warehouse of the Revada Sales Co.; and a stable of the Nevada Packing Co. opposite the Nevada Packing Co. plant.  The FD is credited with preventing the fire from burning the entire industrial district of the City.  Loss estimated at $50,000.

Aug. 29, 1923 – Lightning and thunder storm blasts Reno.  Lightning hits a 23,000 Volt switch and causes fire.

Feb. 6, 1924 – Twenty-seven automobiles are damaged in a fire last night at the Sierra Garage, 215 Sierra St.  Chief Hawcroft estimates the damage at $10,000.  The same building was damaged by fire twenty years ago when it was a livery stable.

Feb. 20, 1924 – The new City Budget and salary schedule are adopted by the City Council.  The Fire Chief’s salary increased from $2700 to $3000 per year.  Two engineers (one to act as Ass’t Chief) - $170 per month; one Ass’t Engineer - $155 per month; three Captains - $155 per month; and Truckmen, hosemen and firemen at $150 per month.

Feb. 29, 1924 - The Galsgie Sanatarium, a fourteen room building just south of the city limits on Arlington Ave. burned to the ground early this morning.  The structure was out of reach of the city water system.  Loss estimated at between $20,000 and $25,000.

April 14, 1924 – The City Council is to consider a pension system for city employees.  Only two city employees, both in the fire department, would be eligible to retire if the plan takes effect next year.

May 12, 1924 – The City Council adopts a pension plan for city employees.  The plan provides for retirement at half pay after twenty-five years of service regardless of age; half pay after twenty years of service if the employee is aged sixty or older.  The plan also contains a provision for benefits to dependents of police and firemen killed in the line of duty.  The council is also considering “group” insurance (which has been tried by the railroads) whereby the various city employees would be insured against accident and death at a low rate per annum.

July 11, 1924 – The Reno Machinery and Welding Works plant on Alameda Ave., two cars and an adjoining residence were destroyed by fire last night.  The cause of the fire is believed to have been the explosion of an acetylene tank.

Aug. 1, 1924 – A large brush and timber fire in the Truckee Canyon, above Floriston and Farad, on the north flank of Mount Rose is visible in Reno.

Aug. 29, 1924 – The Joss House in Reno’s Chinatown on the riverfront burned down shortly before 3 AM this morning.

Aug. 30, 1924 – The City Council and the County Commission discuss the joint purchase of a fire apparatus for use on county jurisdiction fires.

Sept. 29, 1924 – A disastrous fire all but wiped out the town of Goldfield, NV this morning.  Only two substantial buildings remain standing in the business district.  Loss set at $250,000.

April 14, 1925 – Shelton C. Fogus, Chief Engineer of the Reno FD retires after thirty years of service.  His pension is to be retroactive to April 1^st.  Fogus is the first city employee to be pensioned under the new city ordinance passed last year.  Fogus and the current Ass’t Chief Lee Hawcroft were among the Reno FD’s first paid employees and were hired in the 1890s.

Sept. 18, 1925 – After only five months of retirement, Shelton C. Fogus, veteran Reno fireman and Chief Engineer, died in his Reno home yesterday.

Nov. 12, 1925 – The Byington Building at the corner of Second and Virginia Streets, a Reno landmark, was heavily damaged by fire this morning.  The second floor, containing a dance hall, and the roof were destroyed.  Some businesses on the first floor were also damaged.  Damage estimates were $20,000-$25,000.  This building was the most recent of several buildings built on the first building lot sold by the railroad for the new Reno township on May 8, 1868.

Nov. 12, 1925 – The fire department is to begin flushing the water system tomorrow morning in an effort to purify the system.  The water system is suspected of being the source of some sickness in the city recently.

Jan. 14, 1926 – The FD responded to three alarms early today.  The first at Kane’s Café was a small fire; the second was a rubbish fire in an alley that damaged the A. Carlisle Co. store; the third was a fire in a residence at 435 ½ Sutro St. occupied by the Al Monk family that was severely damaged.

Feb. 5, 1926 – Ex-Fire Chief William Wallace Webster died in Portland, OR yesterday.  He was visiting his son in Portland and was stricken by a heart attack.  Webster was fire chief from 1904 to 1910.  His last big fire was the Palace Club gambling resort at Commercial Row and Center St.  Chief Webster was born in Keosauqua, IA and crossed the plains to Nevada as a boy with his parents before the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

March 11, 1926 – The City Council to consider hiring three more firemen so the firemen can have one vacation day every week instead of one every ten days as is now the case.

March 24, 1926 – The Reno Evening Gazette editor comes out against the joint City – County purchase of a fire truck on the basis it would be unfair to other county residents who live more distant from the City of Reno.

July 26, 1926 – Construction work is set to begin tomorrow on the new Riverside Hotel.  The old Riverside was destroyed by fire in March 1922.

Nov. 22, 1926 – Seven used cars were destroyed by a fire in the salesroom of the Short, Gibson and Paul agency at 124 N. Center St. at 10 PM Saturday night.  

Jan. 15, 1927 – A man dies in a bizarre fire in a garage at 201 Caliente St.  A shotgun fell off the wall while he was working, discharged and hit the victim with a load of shot.  The discharge ignited a pan of gasoline with which the victim was working and started the garage on fire.

Feb. 2, 1927 – City expenses have doubled in an eleven year period.  In 1916, the RFD expended $28,004.71.  In 1926 its costs were $62,683.70.  The 1926 budget includes the city’s share of the new city – county fire engine at $5875.

March 7, 1927 – The 1927 cost of the RFD is projected at $56,530, a cut of $6000 from last year.

April 8, 1927 – A wind driven fire destroys a large barn .25 miles south of Reno this morning.  The county engine responded but by the time it arrived the barn was fully involved and there was no water supply available.  Loss estimated at $5000.

April 18, 1927 – Chief Hawcroft hit two cars at the intersection of Lake and Second Sts. while responding to an alarm this morning.

June 27, 1927 – City units and the county engine extinguished a grass fire in the southwest, just outside the city limits. 

Oct. 27, 1927 – One of Reno’s oldest residences, the George Hall home on the northeast corner of Fourth and West Sts. was destroyed by fire last night.  The house was one of the first built north of the Truckee River and was originally located on Commercial Row near West St.  It has been on Fourth St. the last 25 years.

Jan. 14, 1928 – The City Council proposes to extend the city limits in all directions.  The Nevada Auto Trimming Works shop at 128 Lake St. is destroyed by fire this morning in what is believed to be an incendiary fire.

March 17, 1928 – The city adopts the 1928 budget.  The RFD budget is $55,630 out of total city expenditures of $357,367.75.

Oct. 28, 1928 – Firemen extinguish a blaze in an apartment house at 778 Scott St.  The home is located in the new city limits and the water mains to the section were completed just last week.  A fire plug was placed at the corner of Locust and Scott Sts., 150’ from the house, on Friday.

Nov. 13, 1928 – Fire Chief Ralph B. Hawcroft was killed today in a vehicle accident while responding to a reported fire at 549 Bell St.  The Chief’s roadster collided with a taxi carrying P.F. (Patsy) Maher, also a Reno fireman responding to the same alarm, at the corner of Fourth and West Sts.  The blaze on West St. burned a section of fence and the corner of a garage resulting in about $2 in damage.  The Chief’s roadster rolled and the Chief was trapped underneath the vehicle.  Pedestrians lifted the car off the Chief.  Chief Hawcroft was appointed Chief in 1911 and had been with the RFD for 35 years.  His biggest fire was the 1922 Riverside Hotel fire.  He also directed firefighting efforts at other famous blazes including the Nevada Engineering Works, the Nevada Hardware Co. and the Reno Grocery Co.

Nov. 14, 1928 – Lee Hawcroft accepts his appointment as Chief of the RFD.  Salary is $250 while the Assistant Chief makes $200/mo.  The late Chief Ralph Hawcroft’s widow will receive a $36/month benefit from the state industrial insurance commission.

Nov. 24, 1928 – Fireman George Twaddle is named First Assistant Chief and Capt. John Doyle is named Second Assistant Chief.  In naming younger men to the Assistant Chief posts, the Council also expressed its appreciation to Capt. A.J. (Cap) Evans, who will be eligible to retire in two years, having served the RFD 18 years.

Nov. 29, 1928 – The 22^nd call to the RFD this month was a fire in Verdi, in a shed and outbuildings that threatened the Country Club at 4 AM.  The firemen tore down the shed and prevented the spread of the fire.  It was a cold ride out in the country in the open cab county engine.

Dec. 29, 1928 – The RFD responds to three blazes.  The mattress factory at 650 Alameda St was badly damaged shortly after 11 AM.  At 415 AM there was chimney fire and at 8 AM there was a fire from an oil leak in the furnace in the basement of Reno High School .

Dec. 12, 1928 – November has the highest number of fire alarms, records show 26 alarms in 30 days.  The second highest month was August at 25 alarms.  So far this year there have been 170 alarms compared to 161 for 1927.  A new Chrysler coup was purchased by the city council for use by the Fire Chief to replace the car that was wrecked when Chief R.B. Hawcroft was killed.

Dec. 17, 1928 – Chief Lee Hawcroft issues suggestions for “safety first” during the celebrations and festivities of the holidays.  

April 10, 1929 – The fire de