Seattle Fire Marshal Fire Incident Cards

Seattle Fire Marshal Fire Incident Cards, 1963-1977

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Seattle (Wash.). Fire Dept.
Title: Seattle Fire Marshal Fire Incident Cards
Dates: 1963-1977 (inclusive)
19631977
Quantity: 0.25 cubic foot, (1 box)
Collection Number: 2810-10
Summary: Index cards kept by the Seattle Fire Marshal to track various types of fire incidents.
Repository: Seattle Municipal Archives
Seattle Municipal Archives
Office of the City Clerk
City of Seattle
PO Box 94728
98124-4728
Seattle, WA
Telephone: 2062337807
Fax: 2063869025
archives@seattle.gov
Access Restrictions: Records are open to the public.
Languages: English
Sponsor: Funding for processing this record series was provided through a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

A Fire Department was established by City Charter in 1883. It provided for equipment purchases, but not for hiring of firefighters. Following the Great Fire of 1889, a professional fire department was created with five district fire stations and purchase of a fire boat. The first Fire Chief of the professional department was Gardner Kellogg who served 1890-1892 and 1895-1901. A Board of Fire Commissioners was established by the 1890 City Charter to prescribe rules and regulations for the Department. The Board's responsibilities included enforcing rules violations, and appointing the Fire Chief and all subordinate officers. The Board was abolished with passage of a new City Charter in 1896. The position of Fire Marshal was established in 1901 with responsibility for inspecting buildings to insure they were in compliance the ordinances related to building construction and fire protection. The Fire Marshal also inspects all fires and reports on the causes. The Department's mission is to curtail loss of life and property by fire through inspection and certification of building safety systems, public education, regulation of hazardous material storage, and fire suppression.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This series contains index cards with information regarding various types of fire incidents. One series records the date, time and location of fire incidents at local schools. Another series describes fires that led to injuries and deaths of local citizens. Fire incidents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties are recorded documenting the date, structure and cost of damage. Finally, a series of index cards describing the method of operation used to start various fires are also included.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[Item and date], Guide to the Seattle Fire Marshal Fire Incident Cards , Record Series 2810-10. Box [number], Folder [number]. Seattle Municipal Archives.

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