20th Century and Beyond
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The first motorized and self propelled fire apparatus was a brand new 1916
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3/11/2009The first motorized and self propelled fire apparatus was a brand new 1916 American LaFrance Fire Engine. The Ford Model T, with a Smith “Form-a-Body” truck conversion, came with quite a list of features. Including:
- Ford 4-cylinder engine
- Seating for two firefighters
- Transmission brake and hand brake
- Soda Acid Extinguisher system
- 30 Gallon Water Tank
- Hand Crank Starter (converted to a new-fangled electric starter in 1920)
- Electric and Kerosene Lighting
- All Wood Extension Ladders
- AND a hand cranked siren!
And the best thing is………..
This great old piece of Yuma Fire Department history is still in service……although its duties are largely ceremonial!
As is often the case in many communities, the Yuma Fire Department spent much of the 20th Century in the city's downtown area and was a literal part of City Hall.
Fire Station #1 at City Hall
In the 1960's Fire Station #1 was built several blocks South of City Hall and served as a base of fire operations and administration through the end of the century. Although Station #1 is still an operational fire house, Fire Administration was moved to the city's new City Hall when it opened in 2002.
Fire Station #1 and Yuma City Hall
As Yuma has grown, so has the number and size of its stations, their locations have moved farther from the city center. Fire Station #2, in the area of the city known as "The Avenues," was eventually closed and a new Station #2 that could support newer, larger and more emergency vehicles took its place.
Old Fire Station #2 (1960's) and New Fire Station #2 (Present Day)
Here are Yuma's other fire stations:
Fire Station #3, Fire Station #4 and Fire Station #5
Station #6, our newest station, opened in July of 2008.
Fire Station #6 (Opened July, 2008)
A Long Way From the Hose Cart and Model T Fire Engines
Along with our new facilities, the Yuma Fire Department's equipment has come a long way from the hose cart and Model T fire engines.
Our apparatus are state of the art, with on-board computers for mobile data computing, communications, and GIS mapping to aid in response and effective operations.
Rescue trucks, Special Operations vehicles, and even water craft round out our fleet.
A Long Line of Fire Chiefs
As we begin to enter our second century of operations the composition of the City of Yuma Fire Department has changed immensely from its beginnings. The growth and continued progress of this organization has come through the hard work and dedication of its personnel, and the leadership of a long line of Fire Chiefs
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| John Buck 1880-1906 | Newt S. Parks 1906-1927 | George Robinson 1927-1948 |
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| Claude Joyner 1948-1952 | Bernard Raebel 1952-1976 | Michael J. Sample 1976-1981 |
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| William C. Steiert 1981-1985 | Phillip M. Cano 1985-1989 | Phillip C. Mele 1989-1997 |
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| Gary L. Fisher 1998-2003 | Jack McArthur 2003-Present |
