The Lightbulb in a California Fire Station That Has Been Burning Since 1901
If someone said a lightbulb has been glowing for over a century, it might sound unbelievable. Yet inside a fire station in Livermore, California, there’s one that has done exactly that. The small, dim bulb has remained lit through decades of technological change and station history. What makes it remarkable is how it continues to function after all these years.
A Bulb Older Than the Fire Station Itself
Inside Fire Station #6 of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department hangs the Centennial Light, a carbon-filament bulb that’s been burning since 1901. It’s officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest-burning lightbulb, and was originally made by the Shelby Electric Company of Shelby, Ohio, sometime in the late 1890s. The company was known for its hand-blown bulbs, each one slightly different because of the manual process. The design is credited to Adolphe Chaillet, a French engineer who filed a patent for this early model.
The bulb was likely donated to the town by Dennis Bernal, who owned the Livermore Power and Water Company. When Bernal sold his business, he gifted the bulb to the fire department, possibly as a simple gesture of goodwill. It’s been in their care ever since.
Surviving Moves, Blackouts, And Panic Calls From Australia
Image via Getty Images/Daria Kulkova
The Centennial Light has had an eventful century. It was first installed in the town’s original firehouse on Second Street in 1901, then moved to another station five years later. In 1937, it was turned off for a week during a Works Progress Administration renovation. The biggest move came in 1976, when it was transferred to Fire Station #6, escorted by fire trucks and police like a tiny celebrity. During that move, it was dark for just 22 minutes before sparking back to life.
Even modern technology has joined the story. A live webcam now streams the bulb around the clock for curious onlookers. In 2013, the same livestream helped spot trouble: an Australian viewer noticed the light had gone dark and quickly alerted the station. The firefighters discovered a power supply failure, bypassed it with an extension cord, and restored the glow. The bulb soon dimmed back to its usual faint orange light.
Why It’s Still Burning
Experts and hobbyists have speculated for decades about how this bulb has managed to last so long. One explanation points to its consistency; it’s rarely turned off. Frequent on-and-off cycles strain modern filaments, but this one’s steady burn keeps its carbon filament from expanding and contracting repeatedly. Another factor is its build quality. Hand-blown glass, a thicker filament, and the low power draw of about four watts all help reduce stress on the materials.
The Centennial Light’s longevity also predates a turning point in manufacturing. In the 1920s, major lighting companies formed what became known as the Phoebus Cartel, a global agreement to limit bulb lifespans to around 1,000 hours. The goal was profit stability, not durability. While the cartel dissolved decades ago, the Centennial Light remains a glowing reminder of what was possible before lifespan became a marketing decision.