fire-brigade

The fire-brigade quickly arrives at the burning building.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An organized body of people trained to extinguish fires: "fire-brigade" refers to a group of firefighters and their equipment, typically part of a municipal or private service, responsible for responding to and putting out fires.
   • A firefighting team: In broader usage, it can denote any team or company dedicated to fire suppression and rescue operations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The fire-brigade arrived within minutes of the alarm being raised. (The team of firefighters responded quickly to the emergency.)
  • Our town has a volunteer fire-brigade that trains every Saturday. (A local group of unpaid firefighters who practice regularly.)

Advanced Usage

• "to call the fire-brigade": to summon the firefighting service.

  • When the smoke detector went off, she immediately called the fire-brigade. (She contacted the emergency fire service.)

• "fire-brigade ladder": a specific piece of equipment used by firefighters to reach high places.

  • The fire-brigade ladder extended up to the third floor of the burning building. (The ladder used by firefighters to access upper floors.)

Variants and Related Words

• Firefighter (n): a person who fights fires, especially as a profession.

  • The firefighters worked tirelessly to control the blaze. (The trained professionals who extinguish fires.)

• Fire engine (n): a vehicle equipped for fighting fires, typically carrying hoses, water, and ladders.

  • The fire engine sped down the street with its siren blaring. (The specialized vehicle used by the fire-brigade.)

• Fire station (n): the building where a fire-brigade and its equipment are housed.

  • The fire station is located near the town centre. (The base of operations for the fire-brigade.)

Synonyms

• Fire service: the official organization responsible for firefighting.
• Fire department: a municipal or governmental agency that manages fire suppression (more common in American English).
• Fire company: a group of firefighters, sometimes used interchangeably with "fire-brigade."

Related Idioms

• "to fight fire with fire": to use the same methods as one's opponent, especially in a conflict.

  • The company decided to fight fire with fire by launching a similar advertising campaign. (They responded with an equally aggressive strategy.)

• "to be on fire": to be very successful or popular (not directly related to fire-brigade, but a common idiom involving fire).

  • The new singer is on fire right now, selling out concerts everywhere. (She is extremely successful.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Fight off: to resist or repel something, such as a fire or an attack.
  • The fire-brigade fought off the flames for hours. (They struggled to extinguish the fire.)