Fire Stations in the FDNY

A fire station is a facility where firefighters are based. Its design will vary depending on the type of emergency firefighting activities that are undertaken at a particular location. For example, airfield rescue firefighting (ARFF) stations are located near airports to ensure response time is minimised while hazardous material response stations will usually be located close to sites where hazardous materials may be released. Fire stations also differ in their facilities according to the types of apparatus they house.

Typically, a fire station will include administrative areas, living quarters, and vehicle maintenance bays. The living quarters will provide sleeping, eating, and recreation space for the firefighters. Its design will depend on the size of the station and may have an open layout to promote interaction or be divided into subspaces for each function. Administrative areas will contain standard office spaces but may also include additional specialized spaces for training or conference purposes. The vehicle maintenance bay will have a heavy-duty lift and the necessary utility connections for large vehicle maintenance and repairs.

Each station is assigned to one of five battalions within the FDNY and can contain anywhere from three to eight firehouses. A firehouse is home to one to three fire companies, commanded by an officer (lieutenant or captain). In turn, each company is made up of four to five firefighters for engine companies and ladder companies, six firefighters for rescue or squad companies, and twelve to twenty firefighters for hazardous materials companies. Firefighters work in shifts, either night or day, and are swapped every three days. The 2002 documentary film Brotherhood: Life in a New York City Firehouse focuses on Firehouse 1, Engine 7/Ladder 12, and Battalion 1 in Manhattan. The 2003 Sesame Street video Elmo Visits a Firehouse features Elmo visiting Engine Company 58/Ladder Company 26 in Brooklyn.

The FDNY is currently led by a fire chief, assisted by four deputy chiefs, and eight assistant chiefs. The divisions of the department are based on geographic area, with each led by a borough commander (for Manhattan, this is an assistant chief). Each borough commands two to three firefighting divisions. The divisions are then broken down into four to seven battalions, each with a lead battalion chief.

Firestations are a vital part of the community and serve as an excellent resource for the public, with many stations offering a variety of services including smoke detector installation, home safety inspections, and child safety workshops. In addition, many fire stations are available to host community events such as fundraising or charity drives.

The firehouse at 14 North Moore Street in Manhattan was used as the setting for the 1984 movie Ghostbusters. The building was chosen for the location after its resemblance to an early draft of the script, which envisioned the Ghostbusters as a professional public service, similar to the FDNY. The garden that encircles the firehouse is dedicated to New York City Firefighter Martin Celic, who died in the line of duty on July 10, 1977.