BY BILL ADAMS
A conundrum can be defined as a dispute, a problem, or even a confrontation. In the fire service, deciding to comply or not to comply with a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard or any part thereof is a conundrum. It can create confusion and consternation in the ranks. Equally challenging is determining which standard to follow if more than one could be applicable.
I believe an NFPA standard is a nationwide consensus criterion specifying minimum requirements where voluntary compliance is influenced by the possibility of litigation. There are scenarios where legislation by political subdivisions as well as contractual agreements between two parties legally mandate NFPA compliance. Even in those so-called binding circumstances, fire departments have been known to fully embrace NFPA standards to secure equipment with features they desire and, in turn, systematically ignore standards with features they dislike. Prime examples of the latter are specifying noncompliant retroreflective chevron colors on the rear of apparatus and not securing fire helmets when carried in apparatus cabs. It is hypocritical but commonplace. Apparatus manufacturers tend to follow NFPA standards—especially those manufacturers recalling the demise of the Peter Pirsch Company in 1985 caused, in part, by a wrongful death lawsuit.
1 2 On the roster in Hamlin, New York, is this 1973 Jeep CJ-5 grass fire truck equipped with a 200-gallon-per-minute (gpm) pump, 120-gallon tank, reel, grass fire brooms, extinguishers, and Class A foam. (Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Allan Smith.)
Purchasing or placing into service a grass fire truck is when two NFPA standards could apply to the same rig. In particular, they are NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, and NFPA 1906, Standard for Wildland Apparatus. When NFPA 1906 apparatus are referenced herein, Chapter 5 (wildland fire suppression apparatus) applies. When NFPA 1901 apparatus are referenced, Chapter 5 (pumpers) and Chapter 6 (initial attack apparatus) apply.
It is immaterial if a grass fire truck is built by an apparatus manufacturer, a local fabrication shop, or the fire department itself. The conundrum is determining if it has to be manufactured, equipped, and operated in compliance with either or part of the aforementioned NFPA standards. Q
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Posted: Feb 1, 2019
Spokane voters will decide on a $5.8 million-a-year levy to pay for firefighters and police, a tax that six of the seven members of the City Council support but Spokane’s mayor opposes.
The levy would collect 30 cents for every $1,000 of assessed value, or $60 for a $200,000 home, and would pay for 30 firefighters, 20 police officers and other crime prevention services.
- PUB DATE: 2/1/2019 7:18:54 AM - SOURCE: Spokane Spokesman-Review
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Posted: Feb 1, 2019
Spokane voters will decide on a $5.8 million-a-year levy to pay for firefighters and police, a tax that six of the seven members of the City Council support but Spokane’s mayor opposes.
The levy would collect 30 cents for every $1,000 of assessed value, or $60 for a $200,000 home, and would pay for 30 firefighters, 20 police officers and other crime prevention services.
- PUB DATE: 2/1/2019 7:18:54 AM - SOURCE: Spokane Spokesman-Review
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Posted: Feb 1, 2019
With 35 volunteers and two career members, the Enfield Volunteer Fire Department in Nova Scotia covers about 350 calls a year and serves a population of about 6,500. Located just outside the capital city of Halifax, the department responds to extreme weather situations both hot and very cold. Learn more in this video.
Some truck specs:
- • 78,000 lbs. GVWR
- 250″ wheelbase w/formed integral torque box frame
- 11′-10″ +/-1″ travel height
- 46′-10″ +/-1″ overall length
- E-ONE Cyclone® 58” extruded aluminum cab, Bostrom® seating for (6) with Ready Reach extenders and IMMI® SmartDock Gen2 SCBA brackets
- Cummins® ISX12 500 HP engine with Jacobs® compression brake and Allison® EVS4000P transmission
- Extruded aluminum body w/ SideStacker™ hose bed and slide-out rear access platform
- Rescue style extended height compartments with R∙O•M™ Series IV roll-up doors, enclosed wheel well storage for (8) SCBA bottles and (4) wheel well storage compartments
- Hale® Qmax 8000 LPM pump with FRC® PBA400 pressure governor
- 100’ Platform with 2.5 to 1 structural safety factor
- Welded extruded aluminum construction
- Crisscross under-slung outriggers (15’-6” jack spread)
For more information on E-ONE aerials, visit www.e-one.com.
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Posted: Feb 1, 2019
Jefferson City (MO) Fire Department Chief Matthew Schofield and Firefighter Shane Englehardt share their Rosenbauer 101-foot Cobra Platform. Sealed aircraft style valve controls to keep the operation smooth and clear of debris. No hard to push or pull rods. EXT Heavy Duty Aluminum apparatus body features enclosed electrical raceways and full-width use of compartments.
More information is available at Rosenbauer America.
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