Fresno Fire Department
Station No. 3
Constructed in 1938 (the oldest fire station in the Fresno Metropolitan area) and located at 1406 Fresno Street near E Street, Station No. 3 houses an engine, a 121-foot aerial ladder truck, and a water tender (staffed as needed ). Station No. 3 is known affectionately as “The Rock” by those who work there, (referring to the unique cast in a single block of concrete construction of the building). Station No. 3 has been placed on the State Registry of Historical buildings. Originally built to house 32 firefighters, this cavernous block of a firehouse is now the home to a crew of eight. It is one of two stations in the Fresno Fire Department that still have functional brass poles. Scheduled for demolition and replacement several times over her long and colored existence, Station No. 3 is currently enjoying a renaissance of sorts with a coalition having been formed between the firefighters and The Chinatown Redevelopment Association. Using the funds raised by an annual Jazz festival put on by the two organizations, some much needed repairs and renovations have taken place the past few years, ensuring that this proud flagship of the Fire Department will continue to serve the people of Fresno for many years to come. In fact, far from being ready to retire, Station No.3 is the busiest fire station in the San Joaquin Valley.
In Firehouse magazines 1992 run survey, Fresno Fire Department’s Station No. 3 was the third busiest engine house in the state of California which is quite an accomplishment when you consider that this survey includes such cities as San Francisco and Los Angeles! Station No. 3's jurisdiction covers downtown Fresno, including most of the high-rise district, the Fulton Mall, and much of south west Fresno.
The block occupied by Station No. 3 is also home to the Fresno Fire Department’s Training Section and Drill Tower, as well as the Repair and Maintenance section that is responsible for maintaining fire department apparatus.
Engine No. 3 - The engine is operated by a crew of four.
Truck No. 3 - The truck is operated by a crew of four
Water Tender No. 3 - The water tender holds 3,000 gallons of water and is staffed by a firefighter from Station 3.