10-Code Signals
Click on the link to view the 52 10-Codes used by the FDNY: 10-Codes.
A Signal 10–75 is transmitted by the first arriving fire company for a working fire or other incident where it appears that the assigned companies will likely all be put to work at a fire or other emergency. Contrary to common belief, a 10–75 can be transmitted where the emergency is non-fire related but appears to require a full first alarm assignment. When a 10–75 is given, a Rescue Company and a Squad Company are automatically assigned, unless they have already been assigned on the box. In addition, a third and fourth engine company as well as a second truck company and a F.A.S.T. truck (ladder company) are assigned, along with an additional battalion chief. Notification is made to the deputy (division) chief for the district, and he almost always asks for a fire ticket and starts his response.
When all companies are put to work at an incident, the Signal 7-5 is transmitted over the Starfire computer system, but on the radio the listener will simply hear the terms "All Hands" or "All Companies at Work (or Working)." If the "All Hands" is in a subway or railroad facility, or any other location where communications might be difficult, a Field Communications Unit is sent. A Deputy Chief is mandatorily assigned on transmission of the Signal 7-5, but he almost always has responded on the 10–75 signal.
Special calls for additional units above a Signal 7-5 are by number and type of unit. A Dispatcher's greater alarm, formerly used to fill out special call requests during busy periods of fire activity, has been eliminated from dispatch procedures.
Higher alarms bring additional ladders, engines and special equipment, depending on location and type of incident. Greater alarms are a Second (Signal 2–2), a Third (3–3), a Fourth (4–4), and a Fifth (5–5). Technically there are no alarms greater than a Fifth Alarm and no computer signals exist for them. If a chief asks for a sixth or higher alarm, it has to be written out as such in the computer and companies are assigned by the Supervising Dispatcher of the Tour. Borough calls and simultaneous calls, previously used for incidents that required more than a five alarm assignment, have been eliminated from dispatch procedures.
There are also certain special signals given for unique incidents. Several of them include:
| Alarm Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10–60 | Declared as a major incident, it brings a major response of equipment to the scene and mandates transmission of next highest alarm |
| 10–66 | The newest signal, this is used for missing firefighters at an incident. It mandates the transmission of the next higher alarm level. It was first used at the August, 2007, fatal fire in the Deutsche Bank Building, where a number of firefighters got lost in an illegal maze of demolition and asbestos removal structures, and where two veteran firemen were killed. |
| 10–75 | Working Fire reported and assignment requested. Declared when smoke or fire is showing from a building. |
| 10–76 | Working fire in a high-rise (more than 7 stories) commercial building or hotel. |
| 10–77 | Working fire in a high-rise (more than 7 stories) residential building. |
| 10–80 | Hazardous Materials incident |
Any or all of these signals: 10–76, 10–77, 10–60, 10–66 and 10–80, can be used in conjunction with a 10–75, a 7–5("All Hands") or a greater alarm, depending on circumstances. For example, at the aforementioned Deutsche Bank Building Fatal Fire in 2007, seven alarms were struck in addition to the use of the 10–76, 10–66 and 10–80 signals. The 2007 Manhattan Steampipe explosion utilized six alarms, plus the 10–60 and 10–80 signals. If a 10–66 is transmitted as the result of a collapse, a 10–60 must also be transmitted; this will result in the next 2 higher alarms being transmitted, (1 addtl alarm for each signal).
Read more about this topic: New York City Fire Department, Bureau of Communications
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