Late in the year 1950, four men with a unique interest held a meeting. These men were buffs, a term applied to those who hold a deep and serious interest in the work of the Fire Service.

Buff organizations are nothing new in the United States. The term itself dates back to the days when Fire Department fans donned great buffalo skins on cold winter nights as they assisted in pulling the hand drawn pumpers of the early 1800's.

The outcome of the meeting resulted in the establishment of the first fire buff organization in Southern California - The Box 15 Club of Los Angeles.

The club takes its name from street fire alarm box number 15. This box was located at Berth 90, San Pedro, and was the first box to be pulled when the S.S. Markay exploded and burned in the Port of Los Angeles on June 22, 1947. This event brought the greatest movement of fire apparatus in the City's history up to that time.

The Box 15 Club of Los Angeles is composed of an ever-increasing group of citizens who share a special interest in the Fire Service. In particular, these men and women are dedicated to the encouragement and appreciation of the LAFD and other Fire Departments in the region.

We welcome you to attend the club's meetings, held on the fourth Friday of the month at the Old Plaza Firehouse in Los Angeles. Visitors are encouraged to contact the club in advance, as the monthly meeting may be held in conjunction with a field trip.

For more information, please contact The Box 15 Club of Los Angeles via e-mail at: Box15_LA@hotmail.com