In August of 1929, Humboldt Fire District was formed. The County of Humboldt purchased a Seagrave fire engine and made an agreement with the City of Eureka to house and provide manpower for this engine in case of a fire within the District. This agreement continued until 1949 when the District's needs had grown and it decided to hire its first Fire Chief Herman E. Mendenhall. Two Firefighters were also hired this same year and the District's fire engine was moved from the city to a horse barn at Redwood Acres. This became the District's first staffed fire station.

Volunteers played a big part in firefighting. The District purchased several fire trailers, known as Snowdens, which were equipped with 50 gallons of water, four fire extinguishers, and 50 feet of three-quarter inch hose. These trailers were situated throughout the District. Volunteers would respond to fires with them, keeping the fires in check until the arrival of the fire engine. By 1956 the District had two 500 gallon per minute pumpers and one water tender. The District hired two more Firefighters and had installed the first radios on their equipment (first in Humboldt County). In 1957, the District built two new fire stations, Headquarters Station on Harris St. and the Bayview Station on Herrick Rd.

The next five years brought two new engines and a number of Firefighters. By 1965, the District had three stations, four engines, and one water tender. The District also had a box type fire alarm system and enjoyed a class five fire insurance rating. In the late 70's, HFD#1 responded to "Proposition #13" with considerable "belt tightening", resulting in a loss of manpower that affects District operations to this day. In recent years, the District has reduced the size of it's aged, multi-vehicle fleet, replacing them with one new engine in 1983, and again in 1989.

In 1993, the District's Mini-Pumper and old water tender were sold. Also about the same time, the District's third fire station (Seaside Station) was sold after having been closed in 1992 because of continued financial restraints. In 1995, the District took delivery of it's current water tender. In the 1990's, the District tried unsuccessfully to return to its one time high staffing level of 19 Firefighters, and four administrative personnel. Various state and county requirements have worked to hold the District's available revenues down, prohibiting expansion equal to the growth in area developments.

HFD#1 Today

As of the year 2004, HFD#1 continues to upgrade and enhance the service it provides to the citizens of the District. HFD#1 protects an area of 40 square miles, and an approximate population of 22,000. In addition, HFD participates in an "Automatic Aid" agreement with the City of Eureka Fire Department and it's 30,000 citizens. Currently, the District staffs two full time fire stations with 18 paid professional Firefighters (as of 1/2005), 18 volunteer Firefighters, and 3 administrative personnel. The Firefighters operate three fire engines (two lead, one reserve), and a 2,000 gallon water tender. Currently, HFD averages approximately 1,500 responses per year. HFD currently holds an Insurance rating of "Class 4."

HFD has also made several technological advances within the past years. HFD is currently one of only two fire departments in Humboldt County that operates a "CAFS" (Compressed Air Foam System) as part of our standard operating proceedures. The CAFS system is proven to knock down fire quicker with less water saving the home/business owner from greater fire and water damage.

Heart DefibrillatorHFD is also a leader in the local Emergency Medical Service field. HFD Firefighters are all trained Heart Defibrillatorat least to the level of Emergency Medical Technician-1 and provide Basic Life Support on all different types of medical calls. Some of HFD's staff are even trained to the level of Paramedic and work to maintain it with the local ambulance services. All of the paid staff are also certified in the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and the Esophageal Trachial Airway Device (ETAD). The combination of the AED and ETAD result in much improved care for patients with cardiac and airway/breathing emergencies. Staff also actively participate in local classes, both as students and instructors, in the EMS field.

 

The Humboldt No. 1 Fire Protection District is a professional and progressive fire suppression service agency. The District's staff is striving to provide its citizens with the highest possible service level while maintaining the required levels of training necessary to meet the challenges of the modern fire service. District staff actively participate in all aspects of today's fire service programs. District administrators strive to manage the District in the most practical and contemporary manner possible.

Department Vital Statistics

Areas Served:

Bell Hill Cutten
Elk River Fields Landing
Freshwater Greenwood Heights
Humboldt Hill Indianola
King Salmon Pine Hill
Ridgewood Rosewood
Ryan's Slough Worthington

 

Staffing:

5 Directors
2 Fire Chiefs
1 Executive Secretary
6 Fire Captains
6 Fire Engineers
6 Firefighters
18 Volunteer Firefighters

Stations and Equipment:
Two Staffed Fire Stations
Three Engines
One Water Tender
Four Staff Vehicles (1 sedan, 1 4X4 Duty Vehicle, & 2 Utility Pick up)
One Confined Space/Technical Rescue Trailer (owned jointly with City of Eureka)
Humboldt No.1 Fire Protection District
3455 Harris St.
Eureka, CA 95503
Phone (707)445-4900