There is something daring and romantic about the idea.
Brave men and women sit around a table, perhaps drinking coffee, perhaps working on a new recipe to share. There is a television in some corner, but no one is really watching.
Something is about to happen. Something is always about to happen. That's why they are here.
Then the alarm rings. Everyone dashes for their boots and then the door. In the cliché there's a pole to slide down, a Dalmatian to put in the truck.
The lights come on and the garage door opens. The sirens blare. Here come the firemen to save the city from burning.