Fire stations house equipment, dormitories for sleeping, kitchens for cooking, and garages for inspecting and repairing engines and trucks. They can also host fundraisers and are often named after the fire companies or apparatuses housed there.
Fire stations are strategically placed in all neighborhoods, allowing firefighters to reach the emergency situation within a pre-determined period of time. The fire station serves as storage for fire engines, fire trucks, protective gear, hoses, and other equipment. Many stations also house medical vehicles if firefighters are transporting patients. There are a few different uses for the station beyond equipment storage.
Many firefighters work shifts of 24 hours or more, which means firefighters sleep at the station. Inside the station are dormitories, or dormitories, with beds and lockers. In most cases, staff provide their own bed linen, which is taken home at the end of each shift. The sleeping area is often located above the garage in two-story buildings. If the alarm sounds during the night, firefighters access the garage via pole, slide, or ladder.
The firehouse is also where firefighters prepare their meals. A separate kitchen is reserved for their use. Most firefighters require firefighters to contribute to the food fund, which is used for groceries. Firefighters often take turns cooking the meals. Some departments require the rookie firefighter to cook every shift until the probationary period is completed.
In the station garage you will usually find firemen’s points hanging from hooks, with their boots and helmets placed on or under them. This allows for easy access when the alarm sounds. Inside the garage the firefighters also inspect and repair the engines and trucks as needed, making sure they are always in working order. During downtime, firefighters are responsible for cleaning and polishing engines and trucks, which also takes place in the garage or driveway.
The Firehouse can also be used to host fundraisers, such as pancake breakfasts, by the Firefighters Association or Firefighters. Other stations may host activities during Fire Prevention Week. There are even some stations that give out candy during Halloween.
Large cities often name the station for the fire companies or apparatuses that are housed there. For example, a fire station might have the name Engine 18, because it houses an engine with the number 18. If the station is in a rural area, it might be named for the country where it is stationed, such as the El Dorado Fire Station. Many forest fire departments are named after the fire district, such as the Diamond Springs Fire District.
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