Fire Station Number 5 is located on Westover Terrace where it intersects at Wendover Avenue. This station has one fire engine staffed with four people; one ladder truck with a four person staff; and one rescue truck, also staffed with four people. The fire house is also a “safe place” for youth seeking help or in need of resources. When we drove by at about 9:00 am yesterday, the ladder truck was getting tested/inspected by its crew. From the view across the street, it appeared to be in great shape. We don’t know if you can see them, but the truck has stabilizing feet that extend about 3 feet on either side. 

Fire stations are places that are usually taken for granted, until we need their services. Fire departments are very dynamic places and do so much more than put out fires. According to the recording on their community relations line, we learned you can schedule fire department employees to come out to participate in community events, teach classes, provide free smoke alarms, and help with battery installation for smoke alarms. They also help with car seat installations, and conduct fire inspections and investigations. 

At Station 5, there is also a USAR Team. We thought USAR stood for for URBAN SEARCH and RESCUE, which is a FEMA Rescue Task Force. However, Greensboro is not on FEMA’s list. Maybe this is a local search and rescue location. We hope to learn more. In the meantime, today is ABC Wednesday and for A-Z Urban Finds, “F” is for fire station (and fire persons). Hats off to the workers at Station 5!