Led by Lieutenants Seraggen, Eholen, and Mackaoff, the sailors worked collaboratively with the firefighters, using both buckets and fire engines to combat the blaze.
The absence of the wind from the west prevented the fire from reaching the city front, but low tide affected access to water sources, complicating the overall firefighting operation.
The Russian sailors responded with a good will, and continued until, like their competitors, they were, one by one, almost exhausted, when they took a few moments' rest and then again resumed their positions at the engines.
The inscription on the plaque reads: "In memory of the selfless and courageous actions of the Russian Imperial Navy sailors while saving the lives of many city residents in suppressing the great fire in San Francisco on October 23, 1863.
"[5] The Mare Island Brewing Company released a beer named Six Buckets Russian Imperial Stout, honoring the six fallen sailors.