Fallbrook Fire History

Fallbrook's Fires

The second block of Main Street burned to the ground.
Located on Hill Street (which is now South Mission), one of the first schools in Fallbrook burned down. The Reche School (now Reche Club) was built in its place the same year.
Stovall Fire - 48,000 acres of the Santa Margarita River Valley
Mount Laguna Fire - 175,425 acres (382 homes)
Gavlin Fire - 5000 acres (30 homes)
Paradise Fire - 7350 acres (57 homes)
Cedar Fire - 115,000 acres (150 homes)

In the Beginning

The first fire control in Fallbrook was a bucket brigade formed in 1888.
When the church bell rang, anyone within hearing distance would grab a bucket and head toward the fire.
In 1890, the second block of Main Street burned to the ground.

Taking Charge

In 1921, Mr. John Clark became the first California Division of Forestry Fire Warden assigned to the Fallbrook area.
During an emergency Mr. Clark would collect volunteers and direct them to help fight fires.

Here Comes the Water

In 1926, a hose cart was acquired and pulled (via manpower) to the fire and connected to the newly installed water system on Main Street.

Fire Trucks!

In 1928, a Model "A" Ford fire truck was stationed in Fallbrook as part of the California Division of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF).
Vic Westfall was Fallbrook's first volunteer fire chief.

Into the Modern Age

In 1933, a 1930 Dodge fire truck replaced the Ford.
Carl Palm was the volunteer fire chief at the time and William G. Thurber was the assistant chief.

CDF and Red Mountain

Setbacks

In 1945, Assistant Chief Bill Thurber left for Army service and was gone for two years.
During Mr. Thurber's absence, the volunteer fire department fell apart and the pump truck was sold.

The Return of Fire Safety

In 1947, Mr. Thurber returned and re-organized the volunteer fire brigade.
Thirteen members signed a certificate of voluntary service and it was recorded with the County of San Diego.

And, it's Official!

In 1953, the Fallbrook Local Fire District was formed.
On August 13, 1957, the first full-time paid fireman (Ralph Lash) was hired.
In 1961, the Fallbrook Local Fire District was re-organized to form Fallbrook Fire Protection District.

Then Came the Stations

In 1963, the headquarters on Ivy Street was constructed (Station 1). A sub-station on Winterwarm Drive was constructed that same year (Station 2).
In 1976, Station 3 opened to serve the Olive Hill area.
In 1979, Station 4 opened to serve the Pala Mesa area.
In 1982, Station 5 opened to serve the Bonsall area.

Current Events

In 1987, The Fallbrook Fire Protection District re-organized with the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Department to form the North County Fire Protection District.
In January 2003, the Fallbrook Firesafe Council was formed - in response to the Gavilan Fire.
In 2006, the combined efforts of CDF, San Diego Sherrifs, and the Fire Safe COuncil bring a Helitac response crew to the fallbrook airpark.

As calculated at
SMER Southside
03:20:00 am Aug 20, 2008
(updated every 15 minutes)

SMER Southside
2008-08-20 03:20:00
(32 mins ago)


Air Temperature	Wind