Longest Burning Light Bulb — No More?

Longest Burning Light Bulb — No More?

That was the subject line on one of the many, many e-mails sitting in my inbox when I returned to the Patch world Wednesday. Please believe it was the first one I read.

My initial reaction? No way! I knew I'd miss something BIG while on vacation!

The e-mail sent by a Patch reader links to the following report on lightboard.com, which claims itself as the "Lighting Industries Job Board."

The report is headlined with "California law required Fire Station to turn off world's longest burning incandescent light bulb."

The writer says the world's longest burning light bulb — which has been lit for 110 straight years — was turned off on April 1 and replaced with a new energy-saving bulb.

April Fools? Probably.

"No truth to that report," says Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Chief James Miguel. "The bulb still hangs where it hangs and is still lit. It was a very clever April Fools joke."

The report also quotes a firefighter:

Though not happy with the decision the fire station crew says they are proud to be a shining example to all California residents. "We would like everyone in the state to replace your old bulbs" says fireman Bob.

Fireman Bob was unable to be reached for comment on this Patch report.

OK, that last sentence was a joke. But for what it's worth the fire department has one Bob on staff and he is known to be a good practical joker, Battalion Chief Jeff Peters says. However, that Bob is not based where the Centennial Light continues to burn at .

For more informaiton on the Centennial Light, click here.