What Is a Fire Station?

A fire station (also firehouse or fire hall) is a building where fire engines and other firefighting equipment are stored. Some are manned by full-time firefighters, and have living areas for them. Others are staffed by retained firefighters, who respond to calls on call and receive some pay for their time and effort. Many towns have more than one fire station. A fire station typically has office space, a library of reference and other materials, and a “trophy wall” or case for the display of memorabilia.

Often, a fire station is located close to a fire hydrant and other water supplies. This makes it convenient for firefighters to access water during an emergency. Fire stations are also generally close to hospitals, police departments, and other emergency services agencies that may be called to an incident.

Firefighters usually spend much of their time at the fire station, cleaning and stowing equipment, performing routine maintenance, training, attending meetings, and waiting for the alarm to go off. This can be an exhausting and stressful job, requiring great physical fitness and mental agility. Firefighters use a variety of tools and techniques to deal with emergency situations, including extinguishing fires, rescuing people, searching for missing persons, and minimizing property loss. The nature and type of incidents they attend depends on the types of calls received, which may vary depending on the local fire code and regulations, and the fire department’s policies and procedures.

When a fire engine and crew are at the scene of an incident, they must quickly make a thorough search for persons trapped inside the structure to determine their safety and to rescue them if necessary. This search is often called a primary search.

If the fire is in a tall building, the firefighters must climb stairs or aerial ladders to reach the upper floors of the structure. They must quickly and efficiently do so to prevent the building from collapsing. The method used to descend the ladder is known as a ladder slide.

Many of the skills required by a firefighter are learned through formal training and on-the-job experience. The training includes firefighting techniques, emergency response procedures, and the maintenance of equipment. Firefighters must also undergo psychological screening and physical exams to ensure they are fit for duty.

Mutual aid: A system of agreements between nearby fire departments to share manpower and equipment when needed. Firefighters on the same shift are assigned to a company, which is commanded by an officer of the rank of captain or lieutenant. In turn, each company is divided into platoons, so that one of the platoons will always be on duty on a particular shift.

The jargon of a fire service may be very specific and difficult for non-firefighters to understand or comprehend. This is particularly true of the terminology for a particular fire department or region. In addition, a firefighter’s own vocabulary may be highly idiosyncratic. Some of the most common jargon words include: