How large did the incident become in terms of alarms?

The incident expanded to five alarms, indicating a significant escalation in the severity and complexity of the situation. In fire service terminology, the number of alarms corresponds to the level of resources and personnel needed to manage the incident effectively. A five-alarm fire generally requires a large multi-agency response and involves substantial coordination due to the size of the fire, the risk of fire spread, or the need for extensive fire control measures and personnel support.

Each increase in alarm level signifies a greater demand for resources, including fire engines, ladder trucks, and specialized equipment, as well as additional firefighters and support staff to ensure safety and effective response. Recognizing that an incident has reached five alarms also suggests that it is beyond routine emergency operations, requiring strategic planning and execution to mitigate risks while safeguarding the community and responding personnel.