Archives West Finding Aid

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 Marshall 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 Marshall 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.

The Goodwill Games were established as an apolitical alternative to the Olympic Games after those events were boycotted during the Cold War. The first Goodwill Games were held in 1986 in Moscow, and the second took place in Seattle from July 20 to August 5, 1990. Nearly 2300 athletes from 54 countries competed in 21 sports. Many more people participated in companion events including conferences, a Goodwill Arts Festival, and a number of friendship activities.

The City of Seattle was partially responsible for fire protection and emergency medical services for the Games. The Seattle Fire Department took the lead for the City, and closely cooperated with other public safety and law enforcement agencies to plan for and respond to emergencies associated with the event. City agencies also participated in the Joint Operations Center (JOC), a multi-agency endeavor that coordinated security planning and monitored emergency activities.