Summer is not the time to slack off on apparatus preventive maintenance; here's how to care for your rig during the dog days.
Read More »Fire Apparatus
Pros and cons of tractor-drawn aerials
When it comes to aerial fire apparatus, opinions run strong and deep. For many firefighters, especially those in our larger cities, the prototypical truck company arrived at the fire scene aboard a tractor-drawn aerial (TDA) — the driver and tillerman exploiting the smallest opening to masterfully position the vehicle in front of the fire building.
Read More »Video: 5 great ways to load hose
Deploying hose and getting water on fire is not solely an engine company function, as many departments use quints and aerials equipped with attack lines. Regardless of the apparatus type, the emphasis needs to be on hose loads that can be quickly placed in service and reloaded.
Read More »Keys to hose care
After our pumping apparatus, the fire hose complement carried aboard that apparatus represents a significant financial investment for any department. Though fire hose may be one of the less high-tech pieces of equipment that your department carries and employs, your procedures for handling, care and maintenance has the greatest influence on its performance, reliability and longevity.
Read More »Steps to get more from tires
A fire truck's tires are both a major safety and financial concern for every fire department. Properly maintained, they will reduce waste and the risk of injury. This is where the rubber meets the road.
Read More »Size matters: Smaller apparatus provide function and economy
Perhaps you've heard this before: A camel is a horse that was designed by committee. I always get a chuckle whenever I hear it — and then spend the rest of the day trying to get those two images out of my head.
Read More »What to know before specifying pumps
Frequently, we refer to the pump on fire apparatus, particularly engines, as the heart of the fire truck. Without a pump, the fire apparatus is nothing more than a very expensive personnel and equipment transportation vehicle.
Read More »Tablets on rigs: 2 options for getting started
Using computing technology is certainly not new to the fire and emergency services world. The CAMEO (Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations) software products have been valuable hazardous materials response and planning tools since the first products were introduced in 1986.
Read More »Blocking schemes: Using apparatus to protect firefighters on MVCs
By now, most of us are familiar — or should be — with using our emergency vehicles as a shield against oncoming traffic to protect first responders and civilians while operating on a roadway. In addition, we use emergency warning lights and other items such as road flares and traffic cones to capture the attention of oncoming drivers.
Read More »What to know before buying a fill station
The most important part of a firefighter's respiratory system protection is the quality of the air contained in their SCBA cylinder. And like the old computer adage of "garbage in, garbage out" having cylinders full of quality air is paramount. And this ultimately comes down to the fill station.
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