What Are Fire Stations?

A fire station is a building where firefighters keep their vehicles and equipment and where they stay while on duty. Typically, it also has living and working space for the firefighters. Fire stations may look very different from one another, but all have the same basic features.

A typical fire station includes several different kinds of spaces: Apparatus bay support and vehicle maintenance spaces; administrative and training areas; residential areas; and specialized facilities such as the air operations room and the rescue tower. Each of these areas serves a particular purpose in the overall operation of the fire department.

An apparatus bay is a dedicated space for cleaning and maintenance of fire fighting vehicles and equipment. It often has a heavy-duty lift and all utility connections required to work on large, cumbersome machinery. These industrial spaces are often part of the fire station complex and are located adjacent to living spaces such as dorm rooms, day rooms/kitchens, and residential support areas.

The term “fire station” is used in many jurisdictions, although some departments use the terms firehouse or fire hall instead. In New York City, the buildings that house fire companies are known as fire houses. Fire stations are primarily located in urban areas. They are typically designed to blend in with the surrounding community, and from a distance, can be mistaken for private homes.

During a wet down ceremony, a new fire engine or other piece of equipment is placed in service by pushing it out, wetting it down and turning the bell to its new position. This is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the days when fire engines were pulled by hand and pumped with a bucket brigade.

Turnout gear (turnouts) is the protective clothing that firefighters wear while on duty and when they respond to an alarm. It consists of a full set of firefighting equipment, including masks, helmets, gloves, and long pants.

A water supply system is a means of pumping water to the fire scene from an outside source, rather than from a fire hydrant. This may be needed in large buildings or in a situation where a hydrant is not available. This is sometimes referred to as a high-rise pack.

Rollover: The point at which flammable gases in ceilings can ignite, possibly leading to fire spread or collapse of the structure. Also called flashover or pyrolysis.

Cockloft: A space above a ceiling or below rafters that connects adjacent occupancies and allows fire to spread laterally.

A fire buff is someone who has considerable interest in the fire services and/or emergency response, but is not an active member of the fire service.

Two-in, two-out: The standard safety practice in which two firefighters enter a hazardous structure and at least two others stand by outside to ensure that they can escape should the first pair become trapped. This is in contrast to interior attack, which requires that at least four firefighters be on scene before starting.