9 Alarm Fire

[7shooter]

A news story just came over the radio about the tragic Boston fire. It said it was a " 9 alarm fire " . I looked online but couldn't find an explanation for what a 9 alarm fire is.

Could one of the fire fighters here define it ? Thanks.

 

[Jessie]

Simply put, 9 companies ( stations or firehouses ) were called out for it. Each company covers a certain geographical area ( district ).

 

[7shooter]

Thanks for the information.