This firehouse opened on August 12, 1958 when Engine Company 20 and Ladder Company 27 moved in. Engine 20 moved from its former firehouse at 32 Walnut Street at Neponset Circle, which was abandoned. Ladder 27 moved from 1884 Dorchester Avenue at Peabody Square, the current firehouse of Engine Company 18 and Ladder Company 6.
The firehouse is located at 301 Neponset Avenue opposite Tolman Street, in the Neponset section of Dorchester.
Ladder 27 was disbanded on July 15, 1977 and Aerial Tower 2 was reorganized in its place. Aerial Tower 2 was disbanded in 1982.
Engine 20 response area is primarily in the Dorchester section of the city. Engine 20 is the nearest backup fire company to the Fire Brigade stationed on Long Island, which is only accessible via a causeway and bridge from the City of Quincy.
Engine 20 responds to approximately 1200 incidents per year.