So far we’ve covered Box through Third Alarm. A Fourth Alarm brings an additional 3 engines and an additional ladder into Northampton. Again, this is in additional to the resources from the previous alarms.
A Fifth Alarm calls for two additional engines and the state’s rehab truck. The state’s rehab truck is a resource that helps in large-scale incidents by ensuring firefighters on scene are hydrated and given adequate rest before continuing work. Firefighting is an extremely strenuous profession and it is necessary to take breaks. The rehab truck is heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer. This gives firefighters an area to escape from the elements, get hydrated and grab some nourishment. It just so happens that one of these trucks is housed at NFD headquarters, but members of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services staff it.
A sixth alarm consists of two more engines and one additional ladder. One more post and we will have covered NFD’s alarm assignments. Stay tuned!