MOBILE FIRE history

Later in 1843 a State Law was passed giving the Organization its "Rights, Power, and Privileges." April 9th of this year was the first Fireman's Day Parade and Celebration.

The creation of the Department of Agriculture in 1862 marks the beginnings of a national effort to protect the nation's agricultural health.

The creation of the Department of Agriculture in 1862 marks the beginnings of a national effort to protect the nation's agricultural health. It wasn't until 1875, though, that Congress allocated $2,000 to the Department for the purpose of hiring a forestry agent to investigate the subject of timber management.

Founded in 1885, the Board was one of the first State appointed forestry boards in the nation.

1888 Letter to Mayor Joseph C. Rich from Chief Matt Sloan:

In 1890, the Sequoia and General Grant Parks, and the Yosemite Forest Preserve were created.

Stiff opposition against creating federal reserves was overcome in 1891 when Congress passed the Forest Reserve Act.

The Sundry Civil Appropriations Act (Organic Act) of 1897 clarified the intent of the Forest Reserve Act and specifically endorsed the validity of watershed protection.

Many lives and events have shaped the history of CAL FIRE since 1905.

In 1907, the Forest Reserves were renamed National Forests.

In 1911 Congress passed the "Weeks Law" which provided fiscal aid for cooperative fire protection work between the Forest Service and qualifying States.

In 1917, the State Legislature authorized the establishment of a forest nursery.

The black imported fire ant, accidentally imported from South America into Mobile, Alabama, was first reported in 1918.

The State's first four rangers or "Weeks Law Patrolmen" were hired for a four month period covering the summer of 1919.

In 1921 the State Legislature appropriated $20,000.00 to the Board of Forestry for building construction upon this land.

In 1923, the State's forestry program supported 16 rangers, 4 inspectors and 2 lookouts.

During the interim, Congress had superseded the Weeks Act with the Clarke-McNary Act (of 1924). The law greatly expanded federal assistance to State forestry programs, and California was beginning to avail itself to this funding source.

By 1927 the force was up to 28 rangers, 7 inspectors, 6 patrolmen and 9 lookouts.

The first State fire trucks were not acquired until 1929.

In the winter of 1931-32 the first California State labor camps were formed.

The camp program ceased in the spring but was re-activated in the winter of 1932-33.

The "Fire Plan of 1940" or "Clar Plan" as it became known redressed the financing scheme laid out in the Sanford Plan.

In September of 1941, the State of California established the State Council of Defense.

In 1945 a special bill was passed to appropriate $100,000 for the purchase of a tract of land which became designated the Latour Demonstration State Forest in Shasta County.

Reaching Texas during the 1950’s, the fire ant spread steadily across the state, dispersing naturally through mating flights, mass movement of colonies, and floating to new locations in flood water.

The act was revised in 1973 and contains provisions that timber harvest plans for commercial operations are to be prepared by Registered Professional Foresters.