History of San Jose Fire Department in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 1, 2025

The San Jose Fire Department (SJFD) is responsible for providing firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services to the city of San Jose, California. San Jose is the third-largest city in California and the 13th largest in the United States, making the SJFD a significant organization in terms of population served. Its primary function is protecting the lives and property of San Jose residents through emergency response and related services.

1951: San Jose Central Fire Station Opens

In 1951, the San Jose Central Fire Station opened, leading to the relocation of the San José Fire Department's Torrent Engine Company #2 from San Jose City Hall, where it had been stationed since 1869.

2002: Santana Row Fire

In 2002, a major setback occurred during the construction of Santana Row, an upscale complex, when an 11-alarm fire (5-alarm within SJFD) broke out. The Santana Row Fire was the biggest fire in the history of the city.

July 17, 2007: Suspicious Fire Consumes Historic Landmark

On July 17, 2007, a suspicious four-alarm fire consumed the historic landmark located at 156 E. St. John Street in San Jose, the former residence of Mayor Sherman Houghton and Donner Party survivor Eliza Donner Houghton. The building had been housing squatters, and the city decided to demolish the charred remains after the fire.

November 2018: San Jose Voters Pass Ballot Measure T

In November 2018, San Jose voters approved ballot measure T, which allocates bond funds for constructing and repairing vital city infrastructure, including a new fire station in Willow Glen, rebuilding Fire Stations 8 and 23, and constructing two additional new stations.

2019: Adoption of a New 5-Year Fire Department Infrastructure Plan

During 2019, the city was scheduled to adopt a new 5-year fire department infrastructure plan, detailing the timeline for building and staffing new fire stations.