Hose Company No. 1, since 1879
Connected to our community and striving to go beyond emergency operations for our residents.
Our story
The Half Moon Bay Volunteer Fire Department began with little more than a few hundred feet of hose and a community determined to protect Main Street. More than a century later, it continues to be connected to the community and strives to go beyond emergency operations for our residents.
It is a not-for-profit organization under IRS Rule 501(c)(3).
Timeline
- 1879
The Half Moon Bay Volunteer Fire Department first came into existence and was known as “Hose Company No. 1”. Funds and equipment were scarce and consisted of 300 feet of hose, a few buckets, and some axes.
- 1880
The community took up a collection and purchased their first hose cart. After a serious fire on Main Street, the community decided to continue a Volunteer Fire Department and pay for it by subscription instead of forming a Fire District or incorporating.
- 1899
On November 8, 1899 the first official meeting of Hose Company No. 1 was held in the IOOF Hall. Later in 1899, funds were authorized for the purchase of fire hydrants and more hose.
- 1900
The Hose Company decided to hold a Masquerade Ball as a fund-raiser — the beginning of a long tradition. Later in 1900, the Hose Company bought a fire bell and another hose cart. The bell can still be seen at the corner of Main and Higgins-Purissima in front of Fire Station #40. The first firehouse consisted of a wooden shed on Kelly Street and the volunteers met at the IOOF Hall.
- 1926
A Fire District was formed and the department was reorganized.
- 1928
The first pumper truck was purchased and the hose carts retired.
- 1936
The site was purchased for the historical firehouse at 700 Main Street, with the existing building being rebuilt. More equipment was purchased, and alarm boxes added.
- 1944
A new Fire District was formed that covered the area from Torres Lane in Moss Beach to Martins Beach in the south. Later that same year, the District hired its first professional firefighters.
- 1990
The Half Moon Bay Volunteer Fire Department was officially incorporated, made retroactive to its inception date of December 13, 1899.
- 1998
In November, the District moved into a new fire station at 1191 Main Street. The old station at 700 Main was sold and renovated into offices.