A History
The Placerville Fire Department was organized on June 23, 1853, and was known as Neptune Hose Company No. 1. They adopted the motto: "We're Ready!" Due to the risk of fire, and not lung cancer, the early day by-laws stated that anyone caught smoking in the meeting room would be fined $1.00.
The first hose house was situated on Maiden Lane, now Center Street. Prior to 1856 a fire house was built on Main Street, where the Firestone Store now stands. The fire of June 6, 1856 completely wiped out the fire house. For a full year Neptune No. 1 was without a home, and then a house and lot on Coloma Street was purchased. In 1858 Neptune No. 1 became known as Neptune Hose Company No. 2. In the fall of 1860 a new fire house was built on the Coloma Street site and was torn down in 1902 to make way for the railroad right of way.
Another engine, also pumped by hand, was purchased in 1857. The word "Confidence" could not be removed from the engine, so the hose company changed its name to Confidence Engine Company No. 1. It was located in Confidence Hall, Placerville's City Hall until 2006.
Prior to the purchase of automotive equipment and after the time of hand pumped engines, hose carts were located in various parts of town and were hooked on to delivery wagons when possible and, if not, were drawn by a group of young men over muddy streets. A Packard fire truck and a Pierce Arrow rural truck were the first modern trucks. In the fall of 1932, the trucks were moved to 19 Sacramento Street. The old La France truck purchased in 1931 and now in operation replaced the Pierce Arrow. The Fabco purchased in 1940 replaced the Packard.
On February 28, 1950, a bond issue was approved for the purchase of a fire truck, a lot, and a new fire house.
On Feb. 19, 1951, the City Council accepted the new concrete fire house at 14 Sacramento Street and on May 11, 1951, the new American La France fire truck arrived.
