Fire Station #4

This second panel shows the first location of Newport Beach Fire Station #4, but we locals call it the Old Balboa Island Fire House. Depicted in the driveway is an engine known as the “Dodge Squad”. This station housed Engine #4 and its crew from 1931 to 1994. This wood, brick and stucco building was actually built by the two firemen that would initially serve and live in the station. For a short time, it also served as a small police station and jail for Saturday night rowdies. It is the last standing firehouse in Orange County that was built in the regionally significant California-Mediterranean style.

Having outgrown this location, a new, modern station was built on the lot directly behind you and opened in June 1994. The old station was sold to a private owner. Every June since, a long parade of fire engines, happy locals with dogs, kids on bikes, school bands, decorated golf carts and classic cars with local dignitaries travel the two blocks of Marine Avenue to celebrate our dedicated staff at Firehouse #4.

Our new station is home to the Island’s annual Christmas Tree lighting and snow day; yes, snow on Balboa Island. This is just one of the fun activities provided by donations to the Balboa Island Improvement Association. And finally, while none of Newport’s original fire engines survived to present day, a 1920 American LaFrance engine was donated to the City. In 2006, after three years of restoration, this beautiful engine was ready to be admired. You can see it today, parked inside our own Station #4.