Engine Company 22, historic fire station in Washington, D.C.

Engine Company 22 is a historic fire station in Washington, D.C., located on Georgia Avenue and completed in 1897 by architect Leon E. Dessez. The two-story red brick building features practical design with sturdy walls and a rectangular structure, expanded between 1907 and 1911 to accommodate more firefighters and equipment.

The station was originally built in 1892 to house a chemical fire engine and completed in 1897, then expanded between 1907 and 1911. In 1918, it received its first motorized engine, replacing the horse-drawn equipment that had served the community since its founding and marking a major shift in firefighting capability.

Engine Company 22 is also known as the Brightwood Firehouse and served as a symbol of community safety and protection for residents. The station became a familiar landmark where neighborhoods relied on nearby firefighting response, shaping local identity over generations.

The station is located on Georgia Avenue in the Brightwood neighborhood and remains easily visible from the street for visitors interested in historic architecture. Since it is still an active fire station, visitors should be respectful of ongoing operations and avoid interfering with emergency response activities.

The station frequently crossed borders to assist neighboring Maryland towns like Silver Spring with firefighting, as it was located near the boundary between Washington, D.C. and the state. This early cross-border cooperation demonstrates how nearby communities worked together for shared safety and protection.

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• GPS coordinates: 38.96000,-77.02833
• Latest update: February 9, 2026 08:18