Do you mean the difference between a still, box, 1st, 2nd etc.
We don't use still, which meant a single engine response anymore.
Didn't really use the term box alarm here.
Basically, the bigger the number, the bigger the fire which means more equipment and manpower is needed.
A Still Alarm-normally one Engine / Truck
Box Alarm - 2-3 Engines and a Truck
One Alarm - 3-4 Engines , Truck, Chief officers
Two Alarm - duplicate the one alarm and so on and so on.
This applies in cities with several companies (stations)
in rural or fire districts, it is widely varied.
Hope this helps
City Fire- One Whistle- Brush, Tanker, Rescue
County Fire- Two Whistles Brush, Tanker, Ambulance, Rescue
Rescue- Three Whistles-- All Responde
Tornado or Nuclear- 3-5 Minutes Will Repeat if Needed
8:00 PM Whistle Blows and Law Enforcement will Radio In, Pagers for Emergency Personal will go off... Stateing it is now 8:00... Pagers may go off if there is something going on... Such as Meetings, Times... Meaning the time Dispatch has and Officers or EMT's enroute will Radio on their time.
Codes:
Sheriffs Deputies are addressed as this...
Crowley 1- Sheriff
Crowley 2- Undersheriff
Crowley 3- K-9 Unit
Crowley 4- DUI Enforcer
Crowley 5,6,7,8,9 and 10