On July 1st, 1998 Engine Company 18 was designated Squad Company 18 when the City of New York recognized the need to have more specialized units that could handle Hazardous Materials incidents as well as increased readiness to weapons of mass destruction. The Company responds to approximately 3,500 runs per year.

The Firehouse pictured on this site is located in the historic West Village at 132 West 10th Street and was built in 1892. Due to renovations, Squad 18 was temporarily relocated to the quarters of Ladder 20 in Soho when the World Trade Center was attacked, but they are now back at their original location.

Squad 18 works as an engine company on all fire box alarms in its first, second, and 3rd due areas. Covering much of the lower half of Manhattan, Squad 18 is dispatched as a squad/special service company to all 10-75's and specialized rescue calls, including HazMat, south of 90th Street on the West Side, and South of 75th Street on the East Side. This includes all high-angle rescues, confined space rescues, and trench rescues. With the constant construction occuring within Manhattan, the Squad handles several such calls per week. In the situation of a possible HazMat incident, the crew will respond with both the engine and their HazMat vehicle (lovingly nicknamed "the breadtruck" due to its recognizable size and shape). If the 10-75 signal is announced outside of the Squad's 1st, 2nd, or 3rd due area, they will respond to assist the initial companies as a Rescue company. Described as "a free-lance truck", this gives the Incident Commander a wide-range of job functions to assign the crew. From assisting in venting operations, to search and rescue, to extinguishment, the Squad is available to do it all.

Squad 18's firehouse is an old structure that was originally established in 1891. By far the most prominent feature is the baydoor. Painted in 1976 for the bi-centennial, the baydoor depicts a vibrant and detailed painting of responding firemen. In fact, the door is so impressive, the City of New York has funds set aside specifically for the upkeep, restoration, and preservation of this landmark each year.

Inside, the firehouse bay fits the Squad and the HazMat response truck in-line with about 6 feet of space between the wheels and walls. In the very back is heart of the house, the kitchen and backroom where photographs, memorials, and plaques line the walls from floor to ceiling. An old spiral staircase wraps into the second floor where the bunkroom and locker room can be found.

For technical inquiries regarding this Web site, please send an email to bfdnys18@optonline.net.