San Francisco firehouses will light up again for the holidays, formally reviving a station decoration tradition that started in the 1940s, then was brought back last year to add some joy during bleak pandemic times.
With less than two weeks’ notice in 2020, 17 stations set up elaborate decorations, including a winning house (Station 38 in Pacific Heights) that produced snow. Fire officials hope the contest will be even bigger in 2021 — with more time to prepare and $6,000 in prize money donated to the charities of choice divided between the three winning stations.
“Last year we brought this back to provide the community and our members — your firefighters — with a COVID safe event,” said San Francisco Fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter. “It was a success (and) we are excited to continue this event to promote community solidarity and pride.”