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Fire Department

In 1950, the Fire Department was in a facility across Olive Avenue from City Hall. This vine-covered, two-story brick building was an early predecessor to the modern joint-use Police & Fire Headquarters facility which opened in 1998 at Orange Grove Avenue and Third Street.

1988 - Firefighters Putting out Fire at National RV
Firefighters putting out fire at National RV. Slide dated February 1988.
1990-2004: Fire Chief - Michael W. Davis
Michael W. Davis served as Burbank's fire chief from 1990 to 2004. Notes from back of photo: "Michael W. Davis, 1990-2004. 69-73, Firefighter. 73-76 Fire Engineer. 76-80 Fire Captain. 80-90 Battalion Chief. 90- Fire Chief. City of Burbank."
1992 - Dedication of Fire Station #14
Crowd gathers to hear Fire Chief Michael W. Davis speak at the dedication of Burbank Fire Station 14, with other city officials seated to the left of the podium. November 1992.
1992 - Dedication of Fire Station #14
From left right: George Battey, Mayor Robert R. Bowne, and Fire Chief Michael W. Davis open Burbank Fire Station 14. November 1992.
1994 - Fire Department Graduation
1994 Fire Department graduating class pose for a photo in front of an audience. According to the L.A. Times, Burbank Fire Chief Mike Davis (at the time) said more than 2,000 people applied when the Fire Department announced it was recruiting firefighters in 1993. After a long process of written, oral, medical and psychological exams, the department pared the pool down to 19 recruits. As part of the Burbank Fire Department’s 1994 graduation ceremony the recruits extinguished a burning car, doused a four-story inferno and conducted a simulated rescue.
1994 - Fire Department Graduation
1994 Fire Department graduating class pose for a photo. According to the L.A. Times, Burbank Fire Chief Mike Davis (at the time) said more than 2,000 people applied when the Fire Department announced it was recruiting firefighters in 1993. After a long process of written, oral, medical and psychological exams, the department pared the pool down to 19 recruits. As part of the Burbank Fire Department’s 1994 graduation ceremony the recruits extinguished a burning car, doused a four-story inferno and conducted a simulated rescue.
2001 - New York Firemen Visit Burbank Fire Department
MYSTERY PHOTO! New York City Fire fighters pose for a picture with Burbank Fire Chief Michael W. Davis at Burbank Fire Department Headquarters in front of wall with a banner that reads, "Burbank Fire Department Welcomes The FDNY." Why did fire fighters from New York come out to thank Burbank? The date given is December 2001, so does it have something to do with 9/11? If you know the answer, please let us know!
2001 - New York Firemen Visit Burbank Fire Department
MYSTERY PHOTO! Burbank Fire Chief Michael W. Davis speaking with New York Fire fighters at Burbank Fire Department Headquarters. Why did fire fighters from New York come out to thank Burbank? The date given is December 2001, so does it have something to do with 9/11? If you know the answer, please let us know!
2001 - New York Firemen Visit Burbank Fire Department
MYSTERY PHOTO! New York City Fire fighters pose for a group photo with Burbank Fire fighters in front of a wall at the Burbank Fire Department Headquarters with a banner that reads "Burbank Fire Department Welcomes The FDNY", in the background. Why did fire fighters from New York come out to thank Burbank? The date given is December 2001, so does it have something to do with 9/11? If you know the answer, please let us know!
2003 - City Council Presentations
From City Council Meeting Minutes: Mayor Stacey Murphy introduced Chief Mike Davis, who described the courageous actions by Fire Captain Frank Walbert in attempting to put out a fire and save lives in an apartment house fire while off duty on Saturday, April 5, 2003. He stated his actions exemplified the qualities and professionalism associated with being a member of the Burbank Fire Department, disregarding his own safety to conduct a primary search for potentially trapped occupants even though the smoke and heat conditions made this challenge extremely difficult and hazardous. He invited Mayor Murphy, who presented the Distinguished Act Award to Fire Captain Frank Walbert.
2003 - Hillside Fire
According to the Burbank Leader: "Firefighters were battl[ing] a 15-acre blaze Tuesday night in Burbank. The fire is considered suspicious in origin and started about 3:45 p.m. in the area between De Bell Golf Course and County Club Drive. Firefighters, engines, brush crews and water-carrying helicopters from neighboring departments including Burbank, Pasadena and the city and county of Los Angeles responded to the fire."
2003 - Hillside Fire
According to the Burbank Leader: "Firefighters were battl[ing] a 15-acre blaze Tuesday night in Burbank. The fire is considered suspicious in origin and started about 3:45 p.m. in the area between De Bell Golf Course and County Club Drive. Firefighters, engines, brush crews and water-carrying helicopters from neighboring departments including Burbank, Pasadena and the city and county of Los Angeles responded to the fire."

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