What Happens During A Fire Call?

Generally when a fire call comes in the fire department sends out four engines, two trucks and a battalion chief. On the scene each engine and truck company has a individual job to perform. Two of the engine companies and one truck company will cover the front of the building while the other three companies will cover the rear of the building. The battalion chief typically directs operations from the front. Most companies have a crew of four fire fighters. Each team member has a specific responsibility. You can learn more about these assignments on the individual unit pages.

What Are The Type Of Vehicles?

While a fire department uses many specialized units there are two main types that are normally scene in public and on television. These are the Engines and Trucks. A lot of times people don't know the differences between the two. Engines are the most common and are also called pumpers. Engines have a water tank and pump along with several hundred feet of fire hose. Trucks are usually called hook and ladders. These units are long and usually need a second steering wheel in the back. Trucks have a one hundred foot aerial ladder built on the top of the vehicle as well as several ground ladders in their storage compartments.

Baltimore City Fire Department

According to the Baltimore Fire Department website the mission of the Baltimore City Fire Department is: "To protect lives, property and environment within the corporate limits of Baltimore City."

A fire fighter responds immediately to fire and medical emergencies along with any major incidents. They work four rotating shifts of two ten-hour days and two fourteen-hour nights.

There are thirty-nine stations in Baltimore with approximately 1,700 dedicated personnel. In Service and Sacrifice as well as the series my characters are based out of the Oldtown Station shown below.

For information on the specific units used in my book as well as character profiles please see the links at the top of this page for Truck One and Engine Six.

The Frank J. Trenner Fire Academy is where Baltimore City fire fighters go to train. The academy takes up ten and a half acres in the southeast section of Baltimore. The above photo is of the six-story drill tower.