Historical Society and Museum of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, San Bernardino

About Historical Society and Museum of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

The Historical Society and Museum of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection preserves and exhibits material evidence documenting the state's firefighting heritage. Visitors explore displays at the San Bernardino Cal Fire Headquarters location, where the museum opened its first display room in 2005. The organization maintains a working fleet of nine fully restored vintage California Department of Forestry fire engines that appear at parades and department events throughout the state. Additional displays are managed at Clark Training Center, the Fresno/Kings Unit, and the Ione Training Center. Founded in 2001 by retired California Department of Forestry employees, the museum operates as an all-volunteer nonprofit organization run by a board of eleven retired fire service professionals. The museum's mission includes preserving organizational history and traditions for the benefit and education of department employees and California residents. The collection documents the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's legacy of service across the state.