I see in the news like second and third alarm fire alarms, I’m not from the USA, so I have no experience (that I’m aware of) of different alarm fires
In: 3
That refers to the number of engine companies (teams of firefighters) that are called to the scene to fight the fire
They refer to the intensity of the fire/how easily they are combatted. 2 alarm is used for house fires that are more manageable than 3 alarm house fires.
It’s just a measure of severity so the firefighters can bring an appropriate amount of equipment and firefighters. It goes up to 5 alarm which would be most severe.
Alarm refers to response package or what type of units and how many are are going to a fire based on department rules. Ex. Operating procedure states that five engines, a ladder truck, rescue, and three chiefs is for a multifamily residential fire.
Command on scene can add additional “alarms” or response packages depending on severity of fire. Say it’s a big fire and they need more resources, they can call for another alarm aka response package.
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