What is a 5 alarm fire?

A 5-alarm fire is a term used by fire departments to indicate the severity and level of a fire. It refers to the number of alarms or levels of response that have been called to the scene of a fire.

A 5-alarm fire is considered a major emergency and typically involves a large-scale response from multiple fire departments and other emergency personnel. The number of alarms assigned to a fire is based on a combination of factors, including the size and complexity of the fire, the potential for rapid spread, and the resources needed to effectively contain and extinguish the fire.

In a 5-alarm fire, additional units and resources are called in to assist with the firefighting efforts, including additional fire engines, ladder trucks, ambulances, and specialized firefighting equipment. The goal of a 5-alarm fire response is to quickly bring the fire under control and prevent further damage to property and potential injury to people.

Overall, a 5-alarm fire is a serious and dangerous situation that requires a coordinated and rapid response from fire departments and emergency responders to effectively manage and contain the fire.