Fire Station No. 30, Engine Company No. 30 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fire Station No. 30–Engine Company No. 30
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File:Fire Station No. 30, June 2011
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 Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1401 S. Central Ave., South Los Angeles, California |
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| Architect | James Backus, Superintendent of Building, City of Los Angeles |
| Architectural style | Prairie School |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000148 |
| Added to NRHP | March 17, 2009 |
Fire Station No. 30, Engine Company No. 30 is a special historic building. It used to be a fire station in South Los Angeles, California. Today, it is home to the African American Firefighter Museum.
The museum, also known as AAFFM, has many cool things to see. You can find old fire trucks and tools. There are also photos and stories of the first African American firefighters in Los Angeles. The museum also shows items from firefighters and women in fire service from all over the country. It is open to everyone and runs on volunteers and donations.
History of Fire Station 30
This two-story building was built in 1913. It was designed in a style called Prairie School. This style often features strong horizontal lines and open spaces.
In 2009, Fire Station No. 30 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States. It helps protect buildings that have special history. The station was recognized for its role in the history of African Americans in Los Angeles.
A Segregated Fire Station
Fire Station No. 30 was very important because of its history. It was the first fire station in Los Angeles where only African American firefighters worked. This was due to a practice called segregation. Segregation meant that people of different races were kept separate.
The station became segregated in 1924. It stayed that way until 1956. In 1956, the Los Angeles Fire Department became "integrated." This meant that firefighters of all races could work together in any station.
Even though segregation was unfair, these all-black fire stations were also a source of pride. They showed the strength and spirit of the African American community.
