Guardian (fireboat)

''Guardian'' is a fireboat owned by San Francisco Fire Department from 1900 until December, 2022. She operated in the San Francisco Bay since 1990 in reserve status. ''Guardian'' was a gift to the people of San Francisco by anonymous donors following the notable role of the fireboat ''Phoenix'' in helping to save the Marina District buildings from further destruction by fire following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Both ''Guardian'' Fireboat No. 2 and ''Phoenix'' Fireboat No. 3 have been based at Firehouse No. 35 at Pier 22½ of the Port of San Francisco. Guardian was officially retired by the City of San Francisco in 2022 and was purchased at auction by a small group of individuals who are passionate about keeping this vessel alive and well in San Francisco Bay. She is anticipated to be ready for charters and events beginning in Spring 2023.

''Guardian'' has 5 pumps which can deliver up to 26,000 gallons of water per minute, significantly more than ''Phoenix'' making it one of the most powerful water pumping fireboats in the world.

History

''Guardian'' was built by Yarrows, LTD of British Columbia in 1951 and was hull number 115.

''Guardian'' served the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from 1951 until the time it was retired in 1987 by Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services under the name ''Fireboat #2''.

Though the city of San Francisco had operated two fireboats from the early 1900 until 1954, the ''Phoenix'' was the only fireboat in the city from 1955 until the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Because of the role of ''Phoenix'' in the protection of the Marina District after the 1989 earthquake, $50,000 from grateful Marina property owners and $300,000 from anonymous donors were used purchase and refurbish ''Guardian''. Upon arrival in San Francisco, the ship was rechristened ''Guardian'', a name chosen by the school children of San Francisco at the request of the anonymous donors.

Both ''Guardian'' and ''Phoenix'' have been based at Pier 22 1/2. ''Guardian'' was officially retired in 2022 and sold at auction in December. In 1999, Firehouse 35 at Pier 22 1/2 was declared San Francisco's 225th Historic Landmark.

Crew and maintenance

''Guardian'' has operated in San Francisco since 1990 in an unmanned reserve status. Firehouse 35 on Pier 22½ has seven crew on duty at all times: four to serve Engine #35, and three dedicated to the two fireboats. All seven are able to man the fireboats in an emergency. Although, having the reserve fireboat manned by recalled personnel (if available) is desirable.

References

* Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services
* http://www.baycrossings.com/dispnews.asp?id=1515 {{Webarchive, url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927011735/http://www.baycrossings.com/dispnews.asp?id=1515 , date=2011-09-27

External links

* http://guardiansofthecity.org/sffd/fireboats/guardian.html
SF ''Phoenix'' fireboat

Fireboats of California
1951 ships