Boston Fire Department by the Numbers

Boston has one the oldest fire departments in the country, dating back to the late 1600’s!

Here is a break down of the different companies and special units which make up today’s Boston Fire Department.

• 34 Engine Companies (E2, E3, E4, E5, E7, E8, E9, E10, E14, E16, E17, E18, E20, E21, E22, E24, E28, E29, E30, E32, E33, E37, E39, E41, E42, E48, E49, E50, E51, E52, E53, E54*, E55, E56)
• 21 Ladder Companies (L1, L2, L4, L6, L7, L9, L11, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19, L21, L23, L24, L25, L26, L28, L29, L31*)
• 2 Tower Ladder Companies (TL3 & TL10)
• 2 Heavy Rescue Companies (R1 & R2)
• 3 Fireboats (M1, M2, M3)

Engine 54 and Ladder 31 are part of the BFD’s Fire Brigade on Long Island in Boston Harbor

• 9 District Chief’s Units (D1, D3, D4, D6, D7, D8, D9, D11, D12)
• 2 Deputy Division Chief’s Units (C6 & C7)
• 1 Safety District Chief’s Unit(H1)
• 1 Special Operations Command District Chief’s Unit(T1)

• 2 Brush Fire Units (BFU48 & BFU55)
• 1 Special/Lighting Unit (H2)
• 1 Haz-Mat. Unit (H3)
• 2 Technical Support Units(T.S.U.) (H4 & H8)
• 2 Decontamination(Decon.) Units (H5 & H7)
• 1 Collapse Rescue Unit (H6)
• 1 Dive Unit (J20)
• 1 Air Supply Unit (W12)
• 1 Fireground Rehabilitation(Rehab.)/Mass Casualty Unit (W25)
• 2 Special Operations/Haz-Mat. Support Units
• 1 Field/Command Tactical(Comm. Tac.) Unit (TCU)
• 1 Communications Unit
• 1 Personnel Transport Unit (W10)
• 1 Arson Unit
• 2 Canteen Units (A10 & A12) (Managed by the Boston Sparks Club)
• Numerous other special, reserve, and support/staff units