CSFA Steamer History

Reno Engine 1 - Then & Now...

Reno, 1902; It was a warm, sunny afternoon when everyone stopped to look down the street as the pounding of hoofs and clanging of bells approached. The citizens of Reno were excited to see Fire Engine #1 (Reno #1) responding to a fire. Pulled by three spirited white horses, this powerful steam engine seemed almost alive as it thundered past. This colorful example of man's ingenuity was the classic in American firefighting and state-of-the art in mechanical ability for that time.

Sacramento, 1995: A massive, colorful transporter truck pulls into the parade grounds. Citizens stop to watch as the beautiful transporter parks. Brightly painted, and displaying our sponsor's logo, the huge back door opens --and there is Reno #1! The same Engine, but restored to its original splendor by the California State Firefighters' Association and our sponsor. An air of excitement builds as the powerful, white horses are taken from the transporter and hitched to Reno #1 for their parade down the boulevard to be viewed by the citizens of Sacramento in their Old Towne Parade.

Who We Are. . .

Known as CSFA, the California State Firefighters' Association is the oldest and largest Fire Association on the west coast. Established in 1922 and based in Sacramento, CSFA has over 27,000 members, a full time staff, and its own monthly publication, The California Fire Service Magazine. With a general manager, elected president, board of directors, and fourteen formal committees CSFA is known nationwide as a progressive and caring Fire Service organization.

The goal and objective of our organization is to provide Fire Service coordination, training and education in the interest of the citizens of California and to participate in Fire Service related state and national legislation.

One of the committees within CSFA is the Historical Society. With tax free status, the Society's goal is to provide fire and life safety education and to protect and preserve America's Fire Service History. We are the originators of the "SAVE A LIFE TOUR".