When they say a 2 or 3 alarm fire what does that mean?

Question

pretty much just waht the question asks is that how many fire companies come to the call or does it mean something else

Answer 1

That is the number of alarms that have been pulled to get the FD there. They stop after a certain point, calling it "a multiple-alarm fire"

Answer 2

For a small fire, only the nearest firestation gets the alarm.  If its a bigger fire, more stations will need to be sent to help.  Each station gets an alarm.

If 3 firestations are called to a fire, its a 3 alarm fire.

Answer 3

Every street corner has a different engine and H&L assignment. Lets say 3 engines and1 H&L respond. If the fire is too big for them they call for a 2nd alarm which doubles the assignment, If they still cant handle it then a 3rd alarm,another2 engines and another H&L  respond, Next is a five alarm, which is as high as most cities go. If they still cant handle the fire they call for "special alarms.I did not mention all the other equiptment that arrives such as rescue squads. gasoline tankers and chiefs. Hope I didnt confuse you. Im confused.

Answer 4

How many firehouses are alerted to help put it out.

Answer 5

In most large cities, fired depts have their own alarm, even though paid by the same city. When you hear of 2 or 3 alarm fire, more than one station is called to fight the fire. Each station usually has 1 pumper truck and 1 ladder or boom truck. With each truck usually carring at least 3 fireman.

Answer 6

I believe it has something to do with the censor inside the thing, not sure though.