Engine 27 of the Washington DC Fire Department began serving the communities of Benning, Deanwood, and surrounding areas on January 16, 1908.  Originally organized as the Second Chemical Engine Company #1, the first piece of apparatus was a 1901 C. T. Holloway 170 Gallon double tank chemical engine housed at the present quarters of 27 Engine. 

On June 15, 1914, the Second Chemical Engine Company No. 1 was disbanded and Engine Company No. 27 was placed in service.  The first pieces of apparatus were a 1906 American LaFrance Metropolitan 500 Gallon steam fire engine and a 1903 American LaFrance 70 Gallon double tank combination chemical / hose wagon. 

Today, Engine Company 27 is located at 4201 Minnesota Avenue, NE.  Engine 27 is assigned to the Second Battalion.  In January of 2007, Engine 27 became a Paramedic Engine Company, and all four shifts have a firefighter / paramedic assigned.  Also housed with Engine 27 are Ambulance 27 and Medic 27.  The Call Box number for Engine 27's quarters is Box 988.