September 18, 2005

The Ralph J. Scott - Boat 2

When the Los Angeles Fire Department launched Fire Boat Number 2, it was considered to be a completely state-of-the-art firefighting boat. To its credit, its history proved that to be correct and it served the harbor and citizens of Los Angeles longer than any other piece of fire department apparatus.

Built at a cost of $214,000 in the Todd Shipyard (formerly Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation) and launched in 1925, Los Angeles City No. 2 was originally gasoline powered and included a number of innovations for its time. It was part of a $400,000 bond measure, approved by the voters, for a new fireboat and a station to house it. When launched, it was christened by Mrs. Ralph J. Scott, using a bottle of fire-extinguishing foamite instead of champagne. Later in life, Boat 2 was renamed the Ralph J. Scott, in honor of one of the most influential and innovative Chief Engineers the city has had.

When in service, the Ralph J. Scott carried breathing apparatus, forcible entry tools, heavy stream appliances, a bank of eighteen 50 lb. CO-2 cylinders, flood light, smoke ejector equipment, syphon ejectors, drag and grappling hooks, two 3 1/2" Mystery nozzles, and tips up to 6" for the largest deck turret. Four reels carried 4000 feet of various sizes of hose. The boat was equipped with 12 starboard and 12 port hose outlets and five large deck guns. The upper gun mounted on the wheelhouse, dubbed Big Bertha, could deliver more than 10,000 gallons-per minute. The tower turret, believed to be the first, or at least one of the first, fireboat towers in the nation, raised to a height of 42' above the water.

The Ralph J. Scott was involved in a number of significant incidents during her time in service. She saved countless lives, and served until April, 2003, when she was replaced with a new fireboat, also dubbed Boat 2.

Today, the Ralph J. Scott is safe and out of the water, stored behind fire station 112 in San Pedro. The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society is working with volunteers, the city, and others to create a permanent display in the harbor, so residents and visitors alike can learn about and enjoy the history of this remarkable firefighting boat.

This section will include stories of her history, the fight to get her out of the water safely, and the quest for a permanent home. It will be updated on a continual basis, so please stop back and visit from time to time.

For information on becoming a volunteer, donor, or supporter, please contact Frank W. Borden, Dir of Operations, LAFD A.C. DIV 1 RET, LAFD HS at (323) 464-2727.

Posted by dbarrett at 04:42 PM | Comments ( 1 )