Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter and paramedic Pete Tagliere demonstrates the use of one of the three original sliding poles in the city fire agency’s oldest operating firehouse. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
At Van Nuys’ Station 39, Capt. Jesse Cisnero, left, and engineer Bryan Willis get ready to go out on a call. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Station 39 is targeted for replacement in the next year or two. Critics worry that the building could wind up as little-used business offices, a drug rehab facility or even be torn down. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
In the alley behind the station, firefighter-paramedic Danny Lynch does some maintenance work as a bicyclist wheels by. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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An enclosed hose dryer is part of equipment original to the station, built in 1939. Los Angeles Fire Department officials say relocation is necessary because the facility is too small and outdated to accommodate modern firefighting equipment and resources. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
A plaque, dating to 1940, honors those at the station who died fighting fires. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
A paramedic unit rushes from the station. Proponents of relocation say the current quarters on busy Sylvan Street sometimes make it difficult just for vehicles to get in and out of the station. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
The 1939 station house faces another Valley landmark across the street, the Art Deco-style Valley Municipal Building. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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Nick Conejo, 3, waves to a firetruck as it leaves Station 39. Local advocates are loath to lose the station, which adds a touch of elegance to the area. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
