1910 photo of a San Diego Fire Department crew. On August 5, 1889, a City Charter Amendment established the San Diego City Fire Department. The department started with forty-one men, eleven horses, two Steam Fire Engines, one Hose Wagon, two Hose Carts, one Hook and Ladder, and four thousand feet of hose. The total worth of the department, in materials, horses and equipment, was $22,572.75. In 1917, the last team of fire horses was turned over to the City Yards where they continued their service by hauling trash to the dump.