fire brigade

• IPA^(key): /ˈfaɪə(ɹ)bɹɪˌɡeɪd/

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fire brigade (plural fire brigades)

1. (firefighting, US) A group of people within a corporation or industrial site, organized for the purpose of putting out fires, usually in addition to their normal job.
2. (firefighting, UK, Ireland) An organization, often part of a local government, whose purpose is preventing and putting out fires.

   see also fire service

3. (military, US) A trained unit that can be rapidly deployed to deal with any difficult situation.
   • 1976, The Encyclopedia Americana, volume 28, page 112:

     General Westmoreland used some incoming troops as a fire brigade to squelch major threats and keep the Communists off balance.

• fire company
• fire department
• fire house
• fire station