What are the criterias for defining a two-alarm fire, a four alarm fire, etc. Also, what is the highest alarm fire?
2007-06-20 04:06:30 · 4 answers · asked by Robio the Great! 2 in News & Events ➔ Other - News & Events
The term "alarm" is not an exact or consistent measure. For example, in my county there are several types of "alarms". Each area has their own policies!
There is a "local alarm" which will usually require a one company response. A small trash dumpster or auto fire will usually be a local alarm. Traffic accidents are also considered "local"
There is what we call a "street assignment" for a single family dwelling. This will consist of two or three engine companies and a ladder truck or heavy duty rescue squad.
There is a "box alarm", which is a commercial building, or multi-family dwelling. This is a three engine, two truck and one squad dispatch.
Additional units may be requested by the incident commander. They can ask for specific units (ie an additional engine) or they can ask for an additional alarm assignment .
If a second alarm is called on a "box" 3 more engines, 2 more trucks and an additional squad will be dispatched. A third alarm will have the same thing again.
The incident commander is the one to decide what is needed to fight the fire, and protect lives and property. Factors that are taken into consideration are the size of the fire, proximity of other buildings, availability of water supply, and outside temperature. In very hot or cold weather, there is a greater fatigue with the firefighters!!
The only limit to the number of alarms is the availability of fire equipment!
2007-06-20 04:59:15 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The Fireman's Union has said that small fires turn into big ones very quickly. I can't wait (unless it's my house that is) to see fire engines trundling along at 30 mph in built up areas, with no sirens etc. This is the classic example of the law of unintended consequences as imposed by idiots. I have never heard of a fire engine causing an accident, have you?
2007-06-20 15:35:02 · answer #2 · answered by Jeremy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
how ever many companys called, if two engine company's are called, its a two alarm fire etc etc.............
2007-06-20 11:10:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
SFABN is right, anybody who answers after this is either regurgitating the same answer or is wrong.
2007-06-20 11:15:10 · answer #4 · answered by Joe D 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋