1927
Built in Oakland, California. Went into service for the Ciity of Seattle Fire Department

1929
Fireboat ALKI and diver called in for rescue of  Seattle millionaire William Pitt Trimble's wife when Mr. Trimble's 1929 Pierce Arrow accidentally plunged off the King Street Pier into Elliott Bay with his wife trapped inside.*

1947
Rebuilt: The ALKI's gasoline engines were replaced with diesel propulsion and pump engines, and the pumping capacity was increased to its current 16,200 gallons-per-minute.

1998
At the return of the Art Deco ferry KALAKALA from Alaska as she entered Elliot Bay, "Ferryboats blasted their whistles in salute, and the fireboat Alki had her water cannons spouting in tribute fit for the former Queen of Puget Sound."**

2002
The ALKI was moved to Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal on the fresh water side of the locks to be available for service on the Ship Canal and Lake Union, the site of several devastating marina fires.

2006
The ALKI put on water displays at maritime events including the Seattle Maritime Festival tugboat races, the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show Pro-Am Sailing race, and Row for the Cure.
"The old ALKI, the show boat of Elliot [sic] Bay, always a spectacular display for returning service men as well as at important marine events in the 1940's and 50's." - handwritten on verso  of 1949 photo (MOHAI)
Still in service in 2006 with retirement likely in January of 2007, the ALKI's career has spanned almost 80 years.
Timeline
Fireboat ALKI Specifications

Homeport: Seattle, WA, Fishermen's Terminal
Current Use: Fireboat
Original Use: Fireboat
Contact: City of Seattle Fire Department
   E-Mail:
   Website:
Built: 1927, Oakland, California.  Pacific Coast
   Engineering Co.
Length: 123'6"
Beam: 26'
Draft:  11'6"
Hull:  Riveted steel
Speed: 13 knots @ 1300 rpm
Engines: Originally triple-screws and seven 350-hp
   Winton gasoline engines, six of which were
   connected with centrifugal fire pumps. The seventh
   engine, centrally located, was for propulsion only.
   In 1947 switched to 2 Cleveland diesels @ 500 hp
Pumps: hydraulically operated elevator monitor tower
   and pumps capable of throwing 16,200 gallons of
   water a minute, 6 below each driven by twin 671s.
Crew: 5, all EMTs: pilot, engineer, assistant engineer, deck hand, fire officer

The ALKI is also designed as a floating fuel point to re-supply land-based emergency apparatus - it carries more than 8,000 gallons of diesel fuel
Overview
Resources
If you have any corrections, additions, suggestions, stories, and/or photos you'd like to share, please email: mmonts@nwhistoricshipsandboats.com
051004  280606
4 January, 2007
Northwest Historic Ships and Boats
Northwest Historic Ships and Boats
Brief timelines, specifications, and further resources for existing historic vessels of the Pacific Northwest.
1927 Fireboat ALKI
1927 Fireboat ALKI











Photos
Click for enlargement
Fireboat ALKI at Fishermen's Terminal, Seattle. December 24, 2006. Click for enlargement. (Photo by Aric Monts-Homkey)
(Photo by Per Monts-Homkey)
(Photo by Per Monts-Homkey)