Fire Stations

Fire stations (also known as fire halls, firemen’s halls, engine houses, firehouses and firemen’s buildings) are structures or other areas for storing and servicing firefighting equipment such as fire engines, trucks, personal protective gear, tools and hoses. They often contain living quarters and work areas for firefighters. They can be a focal point of a city’s community, and many have been designed to be aesthetically pleasing.

Most places have fire departments that are either volunteer or a combination of volunteers and paid personnel. Some are operated by a private business, such as a gas station, and other locations may be served by municipal or county fire departments. In most cases, fire departments are financed by taxation, although some communities use a voluntary system for their firefighters.

The fire department is a very important organization in every community, and its members are highly trained and professional. In some instances, the firefighters will respond to fires as well as other emergency calls such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and hazardous materials incidents.

Generally, the fire departments are organized into five borough commands, and these are further divided into nine firefighting divisions. Those divisions are then further subdivided into four to seven battalions, with each being led by a battalion chief. In addition, a division chief vehicle is used to transport a division chief to an incident site, and the mask service vehicle is used to refill air tanks for the firefighting crews.

In most cities and towns, the fire stations are often named based on the primary type of apparatus housed at that location, such as Engine Company 49 or Ladder Company 15. They may also be referred to by their address, such as 123 Main Street. Often, a station is staffed by a fire captain, a fire marshal and other administrative support staff. Firefighting equipment is usually kept in a garage, while some will keep their vehicles in a bay area, with other equipment stored in nearby storage rooms.

Fire stations are often heavily fenced, and the entrances are gated. Many will also feature a tall ladder or pole, to help firefighters descend from their vehicles more quickly when the fire alarm goes off. A firehouse may have a sign indicating its name and the type of apparatus that is located there, as well as a map displaying the area covered by that fire company or division.

The FDNY also has a state-of-the-art fire safety learning center called the FDNY Fire Zone that features presentations, hands-on exhibits and direct interaction with current and retired firefighters. Located at 61 West 48th Street in Midtown Manhattan, the FDNY Fire Zone is a wonderful opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about the important job that is performed by this great organization.