Newport Beach Fire Station #4 is a well-known fixture at Marine and Park on Balboa Island. But it isn’t the original station on the island. The original station, built in 1927 about 2 blocks north on Marine, was the first in Newport Beach. According to the Balboa Island Improvement Association, the Balboa Fire Station was the only government building in the area. Not only was it a running fire station, but it was used as a drunk tank during Prohibition. The current station was built in 1994 and is the center of many island traditions including the Christmas tree lighting and Balboa Island Parade. The doors are often open, and visitors can walk on in and see this active fire station and museum showcasing its historical roots highlighted by a restored vintage American LaFrance fire…..