San Jose Fire Museum

02/14/2025

Today the was proud to host the newest class of recruits. The group received a tour of Old Fire Station One, learned about the history of the Dept. and the mission of the Museum and met Founder Emeritus Sam Seibert. Congratulations to San Jose’s newest Firefighters!

02/10/2025

The Museum was proud to host Emergency Response Training for our CERT members at Old Fire Station One.

The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that are most likely to occur here in San José and promotes basic disaster response skills development, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT volunteers are trained to react safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency situations, as well as support their communities during non-emergency events.

Senator Dave Cortese

11/13/2024

Veterans Day 2024 - Each year, since 1919, the Veterans Day Parade has been produced with support from the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and contributions from many individuals and organizations.

The Fire Museum was proud to provide two antique fire apparatus to carry our SJFD Veterans and members along this years route.

This parade, the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California, honors all who served or are currently serving their country.

11/09/2024

Toy Drive today!! At the San Jose Fire Museum 201 N. Market St. Bring a new unwrapped toy to support the Los Bomberos Toy Drive.

Thanks to the Rod & Wheelers for the support!

08/28/2024

Sam Seibert, who turned 105, said the secret to a long life is beer and soda, and simply “getting up in the morning.”

08/28/2024

ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE reasons to celebrate the birthday of retired Sam Seibert! Today active and retired members of the joined friends and family to celebrate the 105th Birthday of the Founder Emeritus of the San Jose Fire Museum! Sam sat upon a throne, was serenaded by retired firefighter Jim True, shared stories and blew out the three candles on his birthday cake... Photos by Sal Pizzaro.

08/28/2024

Former San Jose Fire Capt. Sam Seibert has donated many items to the San Jose Fire Museum, where his birthday party was held Tuesday.

08/05/2024

New addition to the collection. This one of a kind late 1800’s early 1900’s list of San Jose Fire Alarm Stations. These were often referred to Gamewell Boxes, the company that wired the system. Note some Stations had boxes including City Hall home to Hook & Ladder #1, the Empire Engine, Franklin Hose, and the City Stables home to the Alert Hose Co. We believe these were public educational prices hung in business. This piece is actually screen printed on silk or canvas. The bottom states “Owners of Vehicles will please take notice that during an alarm of fire the Fire Department is entitled to the right of way.” …..

08/04/2024

Who else grew up riding these or have little ones still riding them today? While not part of our Fire Museum the History of places like Happy Hollow contribute to our amazing community. are proud to see children today enjoying the Mini Putt Putt just as they have for decades!

07/18/2024

Great collection of art as part of the new Emergency Operations and Training Center - Part 2 . .

07/18/2024

Great collection of art as part of the new Emergency Operations and Training Center including work from our friend Bill Vujevich - Part I . .

07/02/2024

Before and After - hard tops were added to many open cab fire apparatus including those in the . . . . In the mid-1960’s, major cities throughout the nation experienced episodes of violent civil unrest. Riots and the resulting fires severely overtaxed fire departments, but worse, firefighters and their apparatus became targets. Fire apparatus were bombarded with bricks, bottles, fire bombs and gunshots. Firefighters were killed and injured.

Most apparatus in service at the time were open-cab models, with equipment carried on running boards and other exposed locations, available for rapid use. Inner-city fire companies reacted by constructing makeshift cabs, roof enclosures over the back steps, enclosed tiller seats and even individual personnel enclosures that resembled telephone booths on the apparatus. Some strange-looking apparatus resulted. These events, more than any other single factor, led to the design of crew cabs, where all firefighters rode in enclosed positions, and compartmentation, to carry all tools inside locked compartments. thanks to Ray Silva for the photo!

07/02/2024

Vintage Fire Station 2 located at N. 6th St and East Julian St. Now the African American Community Center-Photos courtesy

07/01/2024

Does anyone recognize the Fire Engine Hocus Pocus is riding ??

Hocus Pocus (played by Carl Hansen) was a kid show on KNTV-11 inSan Jose in the '60s. Here are the opening and closing credits.

06/23/2024

And the winner is … Joseph S with a 1936 Plymouth! He wins the Randy Perez award from at todays Bombas in the Park event at History Park. Randy was a former and Fire Museum board member. Randy is remembered for his love and artistry in restoring vehicles, including fire engines. He was all about the details and car accessories. He appreciated cars with a theme and especially an attitude. Josephs car had all that. Congratulations to the winner!

06/12/2024

Recruit Academy memories - Amore recent tradition dating back 10-15 years SJFD recruit classes have left a little memento of their time in the drill tower. These relics of past classes (denoted by the year and class number) now hang in the new training center break room as a reminder of the hard work and commodore that’s they share. 3/3.

06/12/2024

Recruit Academy memories - Amore recent tradition dating back 10-15 years SJFD recruit classes have left a little memento of their time in the drill tower. These relics of past classes (denoted by the year and class number) now hang in the new training center break room as a reminder of the hard work and commodore that’s they share. 2/3.