 The city of San Francisco operated two fireboats in the 1900s: Governor Irwin and Governor Markham. Both were capable of pumping about 1,000 US gallons (3,800 L) per minute. These two, assisted by tugboats and military fireboats, tried but failed to stop the horrific fires which swept the city after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. In 1909, two new fireboats were placed in service — David Scannell and Dennis T. Sullivan — steam-powered boats each rated for 9,000 – 10,000 US gallons (34,000 – 38,000 L) per minute. A firehouse was built for them at the edge of the Panama – Pacific International Exposition in 1915. This firehouse was moved by barge to Pier 22 ½ near the intersection of Harrison Street and Embarcadero following the Exposition, when the old fair buildings were being torn down and the Marina District was being built in its place. The two fireboats served the city for 45 years and were scrapped in 1954.
