Richmond Fire Station

Richmond Fire Station

NPS photo/Luther Bailey

Quick Facts

Location:

1137a Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804

The Historic Richmond Fire Station

The original Richmond Fire Station 67, also known as Fire Station 7, located at 1131 Cutting Boulevard, holds a significant place in the history of Richmond, California. Built by the City of Richmond to serve the bustling Richmond Kaiser Shipyards during World War II, this fire station is an architectural and historical landmark that embodies the vital emergency support activities integral to the war effort.

Architectural Significance

Fire Station 67 is a quintessential example of mid-20th-century civic architecture, designed to be both functional and resilient. The building's design reflects the utilitarian needs of the era, with a focus on durability and efficiency. Constructed with robust materials, the structure features a straightforward, no-frills aesthetic that emphasizes its practical purpose.

Construction and Design: The fire station is built with reinforced concrete and brick, materials chosen for their strength and fire-resistant properties. The exterior is characterized by clean lines and a sturdy, industrial appearance, typical of civic buildings from this period.

Functional Features: The station includes large bay doors designed to accommodate fire engines and other emergency vehicles, allowing for quick and efficient response to emergencies. The interior is designed with ample space for equipment storage, maintenance, and the living quarters of the fire personnel.

Historical Significance and Impact

During World War II, Richmond experienced a massive influx of workers drawn to the Kaiser Shipyards, one of the largest and most productive shipbuilding centers in the United States. The rapid population growth and industrial activity significantly increased the demand for emergency services. Fire Station 67 was strategically located to provide essential fire protection and emergency response to the shipyards and the surrounding community.

Emergency Support: The station played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the shipyard workers and the efficient operation of the shipyards. Firefighters stationed here were responsible for responding to fires, industrial accidents, and other emergencies that could disrupt the critical war production efforts.

Community Safety: Beyond its immediate role in the shipyards, Fire Station 67 also served the broader Richmond community, providing emergency services to the rapidly expanding residential areas and supporting the overall safety and well-being of the city’s inhabitants.

Modernization and Current Day Use

While the historic structure has been modernized to meet contemporary standards, it retains much of its original architectural integrity. The modernization efforts have ensured that the building remains functional and effective in serving the needs of today's Richmond Fire Department.

The fire station has undergone various upgrades, including the installation of modern firefighting equipment, improved living facilities for firefighters, and enhancements to ensure compliance with current safety regulations. These updates have extended the building's usability while preserving its historical essence. Today, Fire Station 67 continues to operate as an active fire station, providing essential emergency services to the Richmond community. Its ongoing use is a testament to the enduring importance of the facility and its role in the city's history.

A Living Historical Landmark

The preservation and continued use of Fire Station 67 serve as a tangible link to Richmond's wartime past. As an architectural reminder of the emergency support activities that were crucial to the Kaiser Shipyards and the city's wartime efforts, the fire station stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit.

Description of Richmond Fire Station 67

Richmond Fire Station 67, also known as Fire Station 7, is a two-story structure designed with functionality and efficiency in mind. The exterior is characterized by clean, straightforward lines and the use of durable materials such as concrete and stucco. The building is painted in a neutral beige color, which is both practical and visually unassuming.

Exterior Design

The fire station is a two-story structure with a strong, rectangular form. The exterior walls are constructed of reinforced concrete and stucco, materials chosen for their durability and fire-resistant properties. The building is painted a neutral beige, providing a clean, unobtrusive appearance that blends well with the surrounding urban environment.

• Bay Doors: The front façade features three prominent, red bay doors that dominate the lower level. These large, roll-up doors are essential for the rapid deployment of fire engines and other emergency vehicles. The red color of the doors not only provides a stark contrast to the beige exterior but also enhances visibility, emphasizing the building’s emergency service function.

• Windows: Above the bay doors, a horizontal row of rectangular windows spans the width of the building. These windows are set in simple black frames and allow natural light to flood the interior workspace, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Additional windows on the upper level ensure that the living and office spaces are well-lit and ventilated.
   
• Main Entrance: The main pedestrian entrance is located to the left of the bay doors and is marked by a smaller, red-painted door. This entrance is functional and understated, in keeping with the overall utilitarian design of the building.

Roof and Structural Features
The fire station’s flat roof is a typical feature of mid-century modern design, emphasizing simplicity and practicality. The roofline includes a slightly raised section above the engine bays, providing additional height for the storage and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment.

• Raised Section: The raised section of the roof also houses the building’s administrative and office spaces, marked by additional windows that provide natural light and a sense of openness.
• Functional Elements: The flat roof and clean lines of the building’s exterior are complemented by functional elements such as drainage systems and utility access points, all designed to maximize efficiency and practicality.

Interior Layout
While the exterior design emphasizes functionality and durability, the interior layout of the fire station is equally practical, designed to support the daily operations of the Richmond Fire Department. The lower level includes spacious engine bays, storage areas, and maintenance facilities, while the upper-level houses living quarters, administrative offices, and training rooms.

Note: This is a working fire station. Visitors may observe the fire station from the road. There are no tours of the station and no NPS staff on site. Please be mindful of safety for emergency vehicles and property. 

• Audio Stop: Richmond Fire Station

  
  

  This brief audio program takes a look at the historic Richmond Fire Station.

  Credit / Author:

  NPS/Luther Bailey

  Audio Transcript

  The original Richmond Fire Station 67, also known as Fire Station 7 located at 1131 Cutting Boulevard, was built by the City of Richmond to serve the Richmond Kaiser Shipyards.

  It remains as an architectural reminder of the emergency support activities that took place at the Kaiser Shipyards during the war. The historic structure has been modernized and is currently in use by the Richmond Fire Department.