More than 2,000 vintage — but operable — fire alarm boxes are still in service at street corners throughout downtown San Francisco. But will they last? Patricia Chang/Special to SFGATE ...

The city’s first alarm system was installed in 1865 at a cost of $24,000 and, according to the San Francisco Fire Department Museum, the first call was from Box 47, Powell and Market streets, on ...

The city's first alarm system was installed in 1865 at a cost of $24,000 and, according to the San Francisco Fire Department Museum, the first call was from Box 47, Powell and Market streets, on ...