fire department

noun

1. the department of a municipal government charged with the prevention and extinguishing of fire.
2. the personnel in such a department.

fire department

noun

1. the department of a local authority responsible for the prevention and extinguishing of fires

Word History and Origins

Origin of fire department¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

“We were letting them know it was a movie set and there was no danger,” said fire department spokesperson Margaret Stewart.

From Los Angeles Times

One died at the scene and the other, a man, was taken to the hospital in critical condition,, according to the fire department.

From Los Angeles Times

The results varied widely from region to region, but in Southern California, homes protected by a fire department were 19% less likely to burn — 31% if a civilian helped defend it too.

From Los Angeles Times

The UC Berkeley, San Francisco and East Bay Regional Parks police departments, and the Berkeley and San Francisco fire departments, provided assistance, according to the Berkeley police statement.

From Los Angeles Times

The Mountain fire in Ventura County has grown to 1,500 acres and injured several people who were hospitalized, according to the county’s fire department.

From Los Angeles Times