News Summary
Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue is commemorating a century of dedicated service to the community this Sunday. Founded in 1924, the department has evolved from a volunteer force into a professional firefighting team responding to over 12,500 emergency calls annually. The centennial celebration will feature educational activities, historical displays, and a showcase of historical memorabilia, emphasizing the department’s commitment to public safety and community engagement.
Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Celebrates 100 Years of Service
Costa Mesa’s volunteer fire department is set to celebrate its centennial anniversary this Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the community’s emergency response history.
The Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue (CMFR) originated in 1924 when residents raised $1,200 to purchase the first fire truck, a chemical wagon equipped with two 35-gallon tanks that utilized baking soda and acid to propel water. This truck laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into a fleet of modern fire vehicles.
By 1926, Costa Mesa had established its first volunteer fire crew, forming the backbone of the community’s firefighting efforts. A dedicated headquarters building for fire operations followed roughly ten years later, showcasing the growth and need for organized firefighting services.
The city of Costa Mesa was officially incorporated in 1953, leading to the transformation of the volunteer force into a fully functioning fire department staffed by paid employees. This transition marked a new era of professional emergency response within the city.
Celebration Details
The 100th-anniversary celebration will take place at the Norma Hertzog Community Center on Sunday, featuring a variety of activities for the community. Local historian and CMFR Captain Fred McDowell will present engaging talks and historical photographs documenting the department’s remarkable journey over the last century.
The event is part of the Costa Mesa Historical Society’s Speaker Series and is free to the public. Attendees will enjoy birthday cupcakes and can explore an array of historical photos and memorabilia from the fire department’s storied past.
For further engagement, a modern fire truck will be on display outside the community center, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the evolution of firefighting equipment over the years. This interactive feature is expected to attract many residents, especially families and children.
Current Operations and Community Impact
Today, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue comprises a skilled team of 90 members who respond to over 12,500 emergency fire and medical calls annually. This dedication to public safety underscores the department’s vital role in the community.
The anniversary event will commence at 2 p.m. at 1845 Park Ave, with additional details available on the Costa Mesa Historical Society’s website. Following this celebration, the Costa Mesa Historical Society will embark on its own 60-year celebration, having been founded in 1966, continuing to underscore the importance of history in the community.
Looking Ahead
In the spirit of preserving local history, the Costa Mesa Historical Society will also host upcoming events, including a historic bike tour and a meet-and-greet event, inviting residents to engage further with the rich heritage of the city. With the 100th anniversary of Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue, the celebration not only honors past achievements but also reinforces the community’s commitment to safety and service for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Celebrates 100 Years of Service
- Orange County Register: Crews Knock Down Smoky Commercial Fire in Costa Mesa
- ABC7: Crews Battle Large Commercial Structure Fire in Irvine
- Hindustan Times: Fire in Fountain Valley, Orange County
- Triathlete: Fire Captain and Triathlete Mike Kreza
- Wikipedia: Fire Department
- Google Search: Costa Mesa Fire Department history
- Google Scholar: Costa Mesa firefighting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighting
- Google News: Costa Mesa fire
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
