What is the difference between 'fire station' and 'fire department'?

The fire department in a city includes all the fire fighters and their stations, trucks, etc.

A fire station is one of the buildings in a fire department and all the fire fighters and trucks assigned to it.

Here is the website for Los Angeles Fire Department, which covers the entire city: http://www.lafd.org/

Here is a list of the fire stations that serve one of the zip codes in the city of Los Angeles: http://www.lafd.org/fire_stations/station_results/%2A?zipcode=90013

The terms "fire station" and "fire department" are related to each other but refer to different aspects of the same entity.

A fire station is a physical facility or building where firefighters are based and from which they respond to emergencies within a specific geographic area. It serves as the operational hub for firefighters and houses the necessary equipment and resources to handle different types of emergencies, such as fire engines, water hoses, protective gear, and medical supplies.

On the other hand, a fire department encompasses the entirety of the organization responsible for fire suppression, prevention, and other emergency services in a specific jurisdiction. The fire department includes all the fire stations within its jurisdiction and the personnel, vehicles, and resources associated with them. It is responsible for coordinating firefighting efforts, conducting inspections, fire prevention education, emergency medical services, and other related activities.

To find more detailed information about the specific differences between a fire station and a fire department in a particular area, you can consider the following steps:

1. Research your local government's official website: Most cities or municipalities have a website that provides information about their emergency services, including the fire department and fire stations. Look for sections such as "Public Safety," "Fire Department," or "Emergency Services."

2. Go to the official fire department website: Many fire departments have their own dedicated websites that detail their services, organizational structure, and resources. A simple online search such as "[your city/town] fire department" should lead you to the relevant website.

3. Contact the fire department directly: If you're looking for more specific or localized information, contacting the fire department directly is a good option. They may have a public information officer or administrative staff who can answer your questions or provide further details about the distinctions between fire stations and fire departments in your area.

By following these steps, you should be able to gather the necessary information to understand the difference between fire stations and fire departments in your local jurisdiction.