fire company

American  

noun

1. a company of firefighters.

2. a fire-insurance company.

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fire company British  

noun

1. an insurance company selling policies relating to fire risk

2. an organized body of firemen

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Etymology

Origin of fire company

An Americanism dating back to 1730–40

Example Sentences

The fire has been categorized as a major emergency incident, with at least 17 fire companies on the scene, according to the release.

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Fire Department dispatched 16 fire companies who fought the blaze for 42 minutes before it was extinguished at 6:37 p.m., according to spokeswoman Margaret Stewart.

From Los Angeles Times

Since Benjamin Franklin organized the emerging nation’s first unpaid fire company in Philadelphia in 1736, volunteering has been as definitively American as Girl Scout cookies, blood donation and school bake sales.

From Seattle Times

“The fire companies had then, and many still preserve now, the aura of blue collar men’s clubs with pool tables and recreational halls,” he wrote.

From Washington Post

Santa and crew immediately went into service, evacuating the occupants who were unaware of the fire with the assistance of several other fire companies.

From Fox News