[Scan-DC] Box Alarm Staffing

[Jeff Krauss]

It varies.
For example, these days, Montgomery County sends five engines, two 
trucks and a rescue squad to a box alarm.  But it used to be four engines.
A Rapid Intervention Dispatch sends one truck, one rescue squad and 
an ambulance; their job is to rescue firefighters rather than fight the fire.
A Task Force is two engines, one truck and an air cascade unit to 
refill air bottles.
A Second Alarm would be staffed at the equivalent of a Box Alarm.
DC also sends 5, 2 and 1 on a box alarm.

According to this, Prince Georges County sends 4, 2 and 1:
http://hvfd.com/hvfd/downloads/HYATTSVILLERookiev11.doc

Sometimes it's the total staffing rather than the number of equipment 
pieces that determines the response.  In a jurisdiction that staffs 
at 6 per apparatus rather than 4, fewer pieces are sent.


In Chicago where I grew up:
 From http://www.emergency.com/cfdpage.htm:
Chicago Fire Department Response Procedures

The following is the description of alarms and primary equipment dispatched:
Still Alarm = 2 engines, 2 trucks, one battalion chief
Working Still Alarm (A confirmed working structure fire) = add one 
squad company (If in district.) and one command van
Still and Box Alarm (Total Response) = 4 engines, 2 trucks, one tower 
ladder, three battalion chiefs, one Deputy District Chief, one squad 
company, one command van and one ambulance
2-11 Alarm (additional response) = 4 engines, 2 trucks, one tower 
ladder, two battalion chiefs, one District Chief
3-11 Alarm (additional response) = 4 engines and Deputy Fire Commissioners
4-11 Alarm (additional response) = 4 engines
5-11 Alarm (additional response) = 4 engines
Special Alarm = any additional equipment that is requested for by the 
Incident Commander. Usually five engine companies.