Frequently Asked Questions

There are 32 active fire houses in Columbus. Two are "double houses" stations 2&3(JPG, 289KB) and 1&9(JPG, 30KB).

The number of Firefighters at any given fire house varies according to the amount of apparatus assigned and to the time of day. There will be at least 3 Firefighters per Engine or Ladder Company stationed there during daylight hours (0800 - 2000 or 8am - 8pm) and at least 4 Firefighters at night (2000 - 0800 or 8pm -8am). Medic vehicles are staffed with a minimum of 2 paramedics around the clock and Rescues are staffed with at least 3 "Rescue-trained" Firefighters 24 hrs a day.

Engine companies in the City of Columbus not only fight fires, but are also fully trained and equipped paramedic units, known as Medic-Engines. Each firehouse has a "Medic-Engine" assigned. Many times a Medic-Engine is closer to an emergency scene and is dispatched along with a medic transport vehicle. In this case the Medic-Engine is called a "First Responder" since it is expected to arrive first on the scene and render emergency care as quickly as possible. After the Medic transport vehicle arrives the members of the engine company will assist those paramedics. With this technology and progressive management system, the citizens of Columbus are provided with both rapid response and quality care at a time when they are most in need.

The Rescue Company has a broader range of responsibilities, so in turn they have an assortment of tools on their truck. They have some of the same tools that would be found on and ladder company but they also carry equipment that is used for auto extrication. The "Jaws of Life" is probably the most notable. The rescue also carries equipment for water, trench, and confined space rescue.

The medic company is responsible for treating the sick and injured. The medic carries Advance Care Life Support equipment, (ACLS). Some of the equipment included is the heart defibrillator, IV solutions, oxygen, and cardiac drugs. The medic also is equipped with MAST pants, splints, and other drugs that can be used for all types of medical emergencies.

The job assigned to a Engine Company is determined by the type of building involved in the fire and the arrival sequence on the truck. For this discussion, we will consider a small box or "A" assignment, which is the usual assignment sent to a report of a house fire. This type of assignment would include two engines, one ladder, one medic, one rescue, and one battalion chief. In this situation the Columbus Fire engine companies on a fire scene are primarily responsible for extinguishment and water supply.

The first engine company to arrive on the scene of a working fire is charged with extinguishment. Columbus Fire policy is for a quick interior attack on the fire whenever possible. This includes making quick entry to the fire building to find and extinguish the source or seat of the fire. Throwing water at smoke from outside a window will not put out the fire. The old adage is "you have to put the wet stuff on the red stuff." Of course every fire is different, there is no such thing as a normal fire. Initial fire line placement, method and location of the entry point, and fire line size are just a few of the variables that must be considered on every scene.

The second engine company to arrive on the scene of a working fire is charged with water supply to the first engine and then backup for the first crew in the building. These two jobs are usually taken care of at the same time by different members of the crew on the second engine. The "usual" procedure for the second engine company is to stop at a hydrant closest to the fire and lay a 5 inch diameter supply line on the way to the fire building, "lay it down coming in." This size supply line should be large enough to supply the first truck with water to spare. Once the second engine is at the fire building part of the crew will complete the hook up of the supply line to the first engine, while the rest of the crew will take an additional line off the first truck to backup the crew off the first engine.

The job assigned to a Ladder Company is determined by the type of building involved in the fire and it's arrival sequence. For this discussion we will consider a small box or "A" assignment, which is the usual assignment sent to a report of a house fire. This type of assignment would include two engines, one ladder, one medic, one rescue, and one battalion chief. In this situation the Columbus Fire engine companies on a fire scene are primarily responsible for initial search, and ventilation.

The first ladder to arrive at the scene of a working fire will assist the first engine with gaining access to the building, "forcible entry." The ladder will usually divide the crew up into an inside and outside crew. Forcible entry can be completed by either the inside or outside crew, but usually the inside crew will take this job. Once entry is made the two crews have different tasks to perform.

The inside crew will do a quick search of all areas which can be entered. As they search, they will ventilate the building as they go opening windows to remove the smoke. They are also available to open up the walls, ceiling, and floors to look for fire which may be burning out of sight.

The outside crew will assist in rescue operations by placing ladders at secondary exit points to provide a means of escape for occupants of the building or firefighters. The outside crew will also assist in ventilating the building from the outside. This usually includes breaking the windows in the fire room from the outside. This ventilation will remove some of the heat from the fire area allowing engine companies to get close enough to extinguish the seat of the fire. The exterior crew may also be asked to vent the roof to relieve the built up heat making it possible for entry to the fire area.

The Engine companies are responsible for fire suppression, so on the engine they carry the water and hoses. Most Columbus engines have at least a 500-gallon water tank. Each engine also carries a 1,000' of 5" hose, which can be connected to a hydrant and used to run water from the hydrant to the engine once the engines 500 gallons has diminished. The engine, also known as a pumper, has a pump on it, which can pump over 1,500 gallons a minute. Also on the engine there are several hand lines which can be taken inside the building. The standard hand line is 200' in length and is 1 3/4" in diameter. In comparison, a garden hose is approximately ¾ inch in diameter.

The ladder companies carry equipment that will assist with ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue, and overhaul. Ventilation is important because it allows the super-heated toxic gases to escape and also allows the firefighters inside to do their work more efficiently. All ladder trucks carry chainsaws and circular saws. These saws are used to cut holes into roofs and walls. To be able to get into a building you need the right kind of tools therefore ladder companies carry many different types of tools. A couple examples are the hydraulic rabbit tool, which pulls a door away from the jam, and a drill set which allows ladder companies to drill locks out. For search and rescue the technology is now available to have hand held thermal-imaging cameras. These cameras allow firefighters to see through the smoke and see the victims. Our department has one on each of our rescue and ladder companies. Overhaul is basically cleaning up. Removing all the debris that was destroyed in the fire and make sure all hot spots are extinguished.

As a fire burns, it generally moves upward, then outward. Removing windows and cutting holes in the roof, or "ventilation" in firefighting terms, stops that damaging outward movement and enables them to fight more efficiently, resulting in less damage in the long run.

The Fire Department has to be sure, absolutely sure, that ALL the fire is out and that there are no hidden fires inside the walls or partitions.

If the fire was of such magnitude that you cannot continue to reside in the home, and assistance is needed, tell the Battalion Chief or investigating Fire Inspector as soon as possible. They will be able to contact the proper authorities for you. The local American Red Cross Chapter is prepared to offer immediate and temporary assistance which may include housing, food and clothing.

The Columbus Division of Fire has two types of assignments. There is an "A" assignment and a "B" assignment. An easy way to remember this is that "B" assignments are BIG. An "A" assignment is what is dispatched to a standard house fire. This consists of two engines, one ladder, one rescue, one medic, and one battalion chief. A "B" assignment means that the structure they are going to is one of the following; commercial, high-rise, large residential, apartments, or industrial. When a "B" assignment is dispatched, the following apparatus are sent: three engines, two ladders, one rescue, one medic, and two battalion chiefs.

The Chief of the Division will not normally respond to a fire or other emergency scene. The Chief is surrounded by a capable support staff which is proficient in handling day to day emergencies. However, when the emergency reaches a magnitude that would require the Chief to participate in managing the incident, then he will respond and take charge as necessary.

The terms, second and third alarm, are used by the fire department to indicate the "size" of the work force needed to contain a fire or other emergency situation. A second, or greater alarm is a call for more firefighters and/or equipment. The officer in charge of the fire will call for a greater alarm anytime he feels scene is lacking in either manpower or equipment. In Columbus the number and type of actual fire trucks which will respond to a greater alarm will vary greatly depending on the initial call type. Generally speaking a second alarm brings twice the amount of firefighters and equipment sent on the initial call or "first alarm."

A high rise building is defined by the department as any building having over six stories or having a livable space over 75 feet above fire department access. High rise fires are very difficult to fight due to problems with accessibility and the large number of occupants in many high rise buildings. A high rise fire is any fire occurring in a building that meets the minimum requirements of a high rise. The level of the actual fire is not considered, due to the fact that the occupants could be trapped above the level of the fire and, in effect, be in a high rise fire situation.

The Columbus Division of Fire has an aggressive interior attack policy on any fire building that can be entered. The main reason for entering a fire building is to search for and remove any victims who may have become trapped by the fire. The term, "all clear" is used by the fire department to indicate a primary search has been completed and no victims were found.

Once the Columbus Division of Fire has been called to an emergency scene they have all legal right and responsibility for whatever situation they encounter. The department maintains that level of authority until such time as the incident commander decides to relinquish control, or the last fire personnel leave the scene. The term Signal O is used to indicate the last fire personnel have left the area and officially turn the scene over to the original occupants, or other authority still on the scene.

The Columbus Division of Fire has agreed to provide complete or additional fire protection for several smaller municipalities in the greater Columbus Area. These "mutual aid" agreements are beneficial to both municipalities, as they combine resources. This type of agreement can both protect a larger area and provide a larger number of firefighters and equipment at the scene of a major incident. Bexley, Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington, Whitehall, and Reynoldsburg, are some of the municipalities, which have a mutual aid agreements with the Columbus Division of Fire.

Columbus had it's first serious fire in 1822, which destroyed eight buildings. The town council, then, decided that Columbus needed a fire department. They directed the Mayor to draft, if necessary, enough men for a ladder company of twelve men, a fifteen man hook and axe company, and twelve men to guard property. All other men between 15 and 50 were to form a bucket brigade. They appointed a Supreme Director to take charge at all fires, and made the Town Marshal responsible for ringing the fire alarm bell.

The following year, Council bought the town's first fire engine which everyone called "The Tub." At a fire, the bucket brigade would pour water into The Tub while several men pumped the water from The Tub into a fire hose with a hand operated force pump. In 1824, an engine house was built on the Public Square, east of the State House.

Columbus became a city on March 3, 1834, with a population of about 2500 people. The new City Council passed an ordinance on June 11, 1835, which created a company of fire guards, a protection and salvage company, a hook and ladder company, an engine company, a hose company, and a company of fire wardens. Council also appropriated $1000 to build a new engine house.

The Dalmatian has been the fire dog since the fire department used horses. Dalmatians were bred for endurance and stamina. Dalmatians are not fast dogs but are able to run for long periods of time without rest. Dalmatians were trained to escort the horse drawn engine to the fire scene and prevent stray dogs from interfering. The spotted Dalmatians were easy for the horses to distinguish from the other dogs. Once at the fire scene Dalmatians would continue to protect the horses from other animals.

Fire stations have brass poles to cut down on the amount of time it takes to get on the fire truck from the second floor. It is about ten times faster to "slide the pole" than to take conventional stairs. This advantage is not without its draw backs however. The major drawback is safety, the pole can be very dangerous. The fire pole is essentially a hole in the floor with a pipe in it to grab as you fall. If you grip the pole improperly or not tight enough your descent can be rather rapid. (32 feet per second) The rapid descent is not really the problem, it's that sudden stop at the bottom.

Most of the "old" firehouses had poles when they were built. Some of these poles are still used today, stations 1, 14, 18, and 19 have the old "pole design." Due to recent safety concerns however most newer houses are built on a single floor plan to alleviate the need for a pole. The oldest "modern" station in Columbus with a brass pole is station one. The firehouse was so big and land costs so high in the downtown area that the single floor plan was not practical. In fact station one has four fire poles and they serve the same purpose and work as well as they did 100 years ago.

The oldest active Firehouse in Columbus is station #20 located at 2646 East Fifth Ave. This station was built in 1951.

Although, station 20 is the oldest active firehouse, there are a few older ones still standing. Old engine houses 7 & 8 were both built in 1888. Old Station #8 is located at N. Ohio Ave. & E. Market Al. and old Station #7 at Euclid St. & Pearl Al. The original station 5 on Thurman Ave. is now a popular restaurant and old station 6 at Mill & W. Broad St. is now an electronics store, both were built in 1892. Old station 10 is located right beside new station 10 at 1096 W. Broad St. and was build in 1896. It served the public until 2008 when the new station 10 was built. Old station 14 located at 1716 Parsons Ave. was built in 1906.

Other non-active houses are #11 1000 E. Main St.(1897), #12 Oak St. & Marble Al. (1892), and #17 2300 W. Broad St. (1897). Most notable of all the old firehouses is #16 at 240 N. Fourth St. (1908) which has been restored to it's original beauty on the outside and is the location of The Central Ohio Firefighter's Museum.

The recruits spend 32 weeks in "Drill School." How much training does a paramedic have? Firefighters spend approximately nine months in the classroom in order to attain the required 800 hrs. of training to become a paramedic. Paramedics also must receive 30 hrs. per year continuing education.

The first female firefighter in Columbus was hired in 1980. Today there are over 40 female firefighters fulfilling multiple ranks within the division.

A day at the firehouse consists of a 24 hour tour of duty, which begins at 0800 roll call. Generally, a firefighter must remain with his/her crew the entire tour and "live" at the firehouse. One of the firefighters is designated the "cook" and collects approx. $8 from each firefighter for the "mess." The cook goes to the supermarket and buys enough groceries for the crew for that day.

Firefighters are permitted 1 hour each day for physical fitness training. Many choose to engage in weightlifting or aerobic exercises. You might see a friendly game of basketball or volleyball behind the engine house. Whichever manner is chosen, the objective is the same: to remain physically fit to endure the rigors of the job.

One Firefighter is designated the "watchman." The watchman is responsible for such duties as raising the flag, answering the phones, keeping the company log, and monitoring the base radio, and greeting engine house visitors.

The rest of the crew works together to keep the firehouse clean and the apparatus in good working condition. There are other duties such as fire prevention inspections, hose tests, hydrant inspections, and in-service training.

Firefighters spend some time during every shift training in some way. This may consist of studying maps or driving streets. There are structured training sessions covering the vast scope of knowledge which firefighters must keep up to date. Subjects include: Hazardous Materials, Building Construction, Electrical Emergencies, River Rescue, Basic Trauma Life Support, Hose Lays, Ladder Evolutions, Pump Operations, Communications, etc..

While all these routine duties are being accomplished, firefighters must be prepared to drop everything and respond at a moment's notice to a wide variety of emergency situations. A typical day might include a few fire alarms, a couple auto accidents, several medical emergencies, and a house fire. After 10pm, the firefighters are permitted to lie down and catch a series of "cat naps" between emergency runs over the course of the night.