DCFD – Engine 10 & Truck 13

“1925.” A seasoned firefighter leaned against DCFD – Engine 10 & Truck 13, polishing his badge. “That’s when this place, this very building, first opened its doors as Truck House No. 13.” DCFD – Engine 10 & Truck 13 isn’t just another fire station. It’s a living piece of D.C. history, breathing stories of bravery and service. It stands proudly on Florida Avenue NE, a sentinel watching over the Trinidad neighborhood. Its Colonial Revival architecture sets it apart, a unique design never replicated in other D.C. firehouses. This wasn’t always the home of both Engine 10 and Truck 13. Originally, only Truck Company 13 called this place home, starting in December 1925. Their first truck? A 1925 Seagrave 75′ aerial ladder truck. Engine 10, affectionately known as “the Dime,” joined the family in 1940, moving from its old station on Maryland Avenue. And let me tell you, “the Dime” earned its nickname. From 1991 to 2003, it held the title of the busiest engine company in the entire nation. Think about that. This station, DCFD – Engine 10 & Truck 13, housed the most active engine company in the U.S., responding to everything from raging infernos to medical emergencies. The firefighters here are a special breed. They face the “House of Pain,” as it’s known, day in and day out. They navigate the unique challenges of a building with an open second-floor dormitory, grappling with noise, fumes, and temperature fluctuations. Even with renovations, the spirit of this place remains. The echoes of wiffle ball games in the engine room, the camaraderie forged in shared meals interrupted by urgent calls. DCFD – Engine 10 & Truck 13 stands as a testament to their dedication, a symbol of resilience and service in the heart of D.C.