Firehouses

The DC Fire and EMS Department currently has 33 firehouses, one marine firefighting unit, and a Fire Prevention Division across Washington DC’s eight wards. These firehouses host 33 engine companies, 16 ladder companies, 3 heavy duty rescue squads, a hazardous materials unit, 3 fireboats, 17 advanced life support medic units, and 22 basic life support ambulances. Each of these units and their assigned firehouse has played an important role in protecting lives and property throughout the Department’s history. And those who have served feel a special pride in each of their assignments. The location and appearance of each firehouse over the years has evolved but their dedication and critical life saving role in the Nation’s Capital has remained constant. This exhibit shows each firehouse over the course of the history of the Department.

Department Headquarters

Old Department headquarters building on McMillian Drive.
Date: Ca. 1980s
Source: Kelleher Collection

Old Department headquarters building -- the old Grimke School. Date: 1992
Source: DC Fire & EMS Museum Collection

Department Headquarters
Date: 2024
Source: DC Fire and EMS Department

First Georgetown House

Firemen with Firefighting Equipment in Front of the Vigilant Firehouse
1066 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Believed to be the first firehouse within the current boundaries of Washington, DC.

Date: between 1900 and 1920
Source: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division

The Vigilant Firehouse today.

Date: 2024
Source: Daniel Johnson

Plaque commemorating a firehouse dog who died of poisoning in 1869.

Date: 2024
Source: Daniel Johnson

Engine Company 1

Engine 1, 2 - Pumpers
1643 K Street, N.W. D.C.
This house was torn down in September 1960 and replaced by a new combined house at 23rd & M St. Date: July 1960
Source: Washington, DC Fire and EMS Museum

Engine Company 1
Truck Company 2
2nd Battalion Chief Headquarters 2225 M. Street NW
Source: Washington, DC Fire and EMS Museum

Engine Company 1
Truck Company 2
Ambulance 1
Medic 1. Date: 2024
Source: DC Fire and EMS Department

Engine Company 2

Old Engine Company 2 and Old DCFD Headquarters.
Date: Ca. Early 20th century
Source: Washington, DC Fire and EMS Museum
719 12th Street NW

Engine Company 2
Rescue Squad 1
719 12th Street NW
Source: Washington, DC Fire and EMS Museum

Engine Company 2
Rescue Squad 1
Ambulance 2
BFC 6, EMS Supervisor 6
Date: 2024
Source: DC Fire and EMS Department

Engine Company 2
Rescue Squad 1
Ambulance 2
BFC 6, EMS Supervisor 6
Date: 2024
Source: DC Fire and EMS Department

Engine Company 3

Engine Company 3
New Jersey and B Street, SE
Date: Ca. early 20th century
Source: Washington, DC Fire and EMS Museum

Engine Company 3
Truck Number 1, 429 New Jersey Ave, NW
Date: Ca. Early 20th century
Source: Washington, DC Fire and EMS Museum