Petaluma Firefighters To Host 'Last Alarm' To Honor Firefighter Killed More Than Century Ago

PETALUMA, CA – A flag ceremony will be conducted Oct. 23 at Petaluma Fire Station #1 in honor of Firefighter James Mott who was fatally injured while fighting a fire on Oct. 20, 1912.

The tragic fire incident occurred 104 years ago and Mott, Petaluma's first professional firefighter, was fatally injured while attempting to extinguish a vehicle fire in downtown Petaluma.

Mott suffered from fatal burns when an automobile exploded and sent a sheet of burning gasoline onto the group of firefighters and civilian bystanders. Five firefighters, 17 civilians and four children suffered burns and were hospitalized.

Mott died from his injuries on Oct. 23, 1912, and to date, he is the only Petaluma firefighter to be killed in the line of duty.

At 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2016, Petaluma firefighters will conduct a flag raising and “Last Alarm” ceremony to honor the dedication and service of Firefighter James Mott.

The public is invited to attend. Station 1 (Fire Administration) is at 198 D St.

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--Image of James Mott and the fire department’s horse, Black Bart, in 1909 via Petaluma FD