116th Anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake

San Francisco Fire --116th Anniversary of the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906 Annual Lotta’s Fountain and Golden Hydrant Painting Commemoration Events

On Monday, April 18, 2022, the San Francisco Fire Department and other early risers will be commemorating the 116th anniversary of the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906 at an annual commemoration ceremony being held at the historic Lotta’s Fountain in downtown San Francisco.

The event begins at 5:12 AM, the exact time the 1906 earthquake struck the sleeping city of San Francisco. “On this day we remember the tragedies and losses endured by San Franciscans, as well as their spirit and resolve!” said Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson. “It is also a time to remind the public of the importance of disaster preparedness.”

After the commemoration ceremony at Lotta’s Fountain, a procession (estimated to be 5:50 AM) will be made to the famous golden fire hydrant for the annual re-painting ceremony on the corner of 20th and Church streets. The celebrated fire hydrant is said to have been the sole source of water, used by thousands of volunteers, responsible for saving the south side of the Mission District during the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake.