San Diego Firehouse Museum

It's Wildfire Preparedness Week. While it may be a bit rainy today, it will be hot next week and the grass will be ready to burn. Is your home prepared?

Take a look here for more resources and information:

Preparing for Wildfire - Fire Safe Council of San Diego County Preparing for Wildfire   This page is your one stop shop for resources to help prepare you, your home, and your family for the risk of wildfire. Below, you’ll find timely information about what to do before, during, and after a wildfire emergency. ResourcesPreparing for Wildfire Tree & Forest Hea...

This is the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend.

Firefighters from across America are paying tribute to the 97 of their fellow firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2025.

See here for coverage of the event:

Memorial Weekend Coverage - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Each year, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Paying Tribute 2026 Roll of Honor Read the 2026 Roll of Honor to lea...

MARK YOUR CALENDARS 🇺🇸🔥

We’ve officially secured September 5th, 2026 for the 14th Annual San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Hilton Bayfront.

This year carries special weight as we come together to honor 25 years of remembrance, resilience, and sacrifice. Be one of the 1,000 climbers to pay tribute to the heroes and lives lost on 9/11: step by step, story by story.

Spread the word. Rally your team. Get ready.

👀 Registration opens late THIS WEEK — stay tuned.

It's National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week!

In the past, dispatchers were all firefighters. Today, most dispatchers are non-sworn personnel with experienced fire officers as management.

Swing by the museum some time and take a peek at our dispatch display.

Here we see an image of SDFD dispatch in the old location in Balboa Park. The building still stands on Balboa Drive, but is now used by other city departments.

Thanks to all dispatchers, past and present. We couldn't do it without you.

Photo courtesy of the San Diego History Center

We shared with you the triumph of Deputy Chief Ben Holman's 100th birthday. Sadly, Chief Holman died shorly after. He will be remembered as a great guy.

Loved ones and colleagues celebrate the life of Alwin “Ben” Holman, a trailblazer in desegregating the San Diego Fire Department.

The museum in earlier times.

3 Safety Tips for your next beach day 🏖️

• Swim near a lifeguard because spring surf and rip currents can be stronger than they look.

• Never swim alone, no matter your skill level.

• Check tides, weather, and water temps before you go, and always follow posted warnings.

• Cool water, changing conditions — play it safe so you can enjoy the day. 🌊

Have you checked your exits? (Round 2)

This more modern fire still highlights the need for good exiting -- especially from nightclubs and restaurants.

Reflecting on the Happy Land social club fire and similar incidents Three tragedies were rooted in New York’s inability to shut down social clubs or gain their compliance with current codes

Have you checked to make sure your fire exits are clear?

Today is the anniversary of the historic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City. Almost 150 people died in this tragic fire. Most were unable to escape due to blocked or locked exit doors.

While this fire wasn't here in San Diego, it was the start of modern fire codes.