A multialarm fire is an incident that has grown beyond the capabilities of the first responding units, prompting the incident commander to request additional alarms. Each subsequent alarm brings a pre-determined package of extra engines, trucks, and command staff. The term signifies a major, resource-intensive incident that exhausts local companies and often requires mutual aid.
Heard on the job
We're going defensive on this multialarm warehouse fire, so keep all incoming rigs out of the collapse zone.
Also heard as
- multiple-alarm