Why do they call it a “Box Alarm”?

Why do they call it a “Box Alarm”?

This refers to the "Box System". Some alarms, such as a car or grass fire, did not get a full "box" alarm. These kinds of calls were often called still alarms. But even today many departments still use the Phantom Box System.

What is a “Joker Box” or telegraph alarm box?

For over fifty years this was a name given to the primary means of dispatching fire companies in many major cities of the U.S. and U. K.

Fire Alarm Pull Box and Watch Desk.
Parts of the working "Joker Box" system
at the Dallas Fire Dept. Museum.

At one time, on just about every street corner, there was a fire alarm pull box. In some cities there were thousands of these boxes. This box was connected to a telegraph wire. This one wire went to every fire station in the city. Inside the box was a spring loaded wheel. This wheel had bumps on it that corresponded to the number given to this box. If the box's number was #213, the wheel would have two bumps, then one bump, then three. When the handle on the outside of the box was pulled it released this spring loaded wheel to began turning. The bumps pressed down on a key that sent an electrical signal to every station in the city. At each station a bell would ring out the number of the box and punch holes in a paper tape at the watch desk. The companies who were assigned to respond to this box would then dispatch themselves. Every station kept track of every other station. If a first up company was out on some other call, the second up would have to know this and dispatch themselves. Many departments referred to as the "Joker Box System" or telegraph alarm system. This system was in place from the 1920's (or earlier) to well into the 1960's and 1970's in some cities. (It is still in use in some cities. See note below.)

If you look closely you will notice that there are no zeros used in this system. How would you ring a zero with a bell?

After the fire the chief, or his driver, would use a key to open the pull box, rewind the spring and reset the system.