"Station 51" in the show is still in use in Carson, CA. They also built a replica of the firehouse for some scenes in the show. The area around the real firehouse, with the freeway in the back, is still largely industrial, but more developed now and more street lights.
Both stations seen in the pilot episode are actual LA County firehouses. Station 10 is actually Station 8 in West Hollywood and yes, it houses a full task force with Engines 8 and 208, Truck 8, and Squad 8. Station 51 is actually Station 127 and houses a "Light Force" with Engine 127, Foam 127, and Truck 127. There is an ACTUAL Station 51, but that is at Universal Studios and was formerly Station 60. A bit more trivia, Before Engine 51 received their 1973 Ward LaFrance P80 Ambassador Pumper, Universal Studios used Engines 60 and 127, twin 1965 Crown firecoach pumpers in the first two seasons. Both the Ward and Engine 60's Crown, along with the last squad (with the black trim) are at the LA County Fire Museum.
A
A