The team reviewed ARFF system’s specifications. Despite the outside temperature year-round, AF FES vehicles are generally stored inside climate-controlled fire stations until they are needed. For the testing performed by the team, the vehicles were moved outside as the temperatures ranged from zero to negative 7 degrees Fahrenheit. Each test conducted was based on the vehicle’s capability to satisfactorily store firefighting agents and discharge them in a maximum condition of zero degrees Fahrenheit. Vehicles were tested by running engines at a high idle of about 1300 revolutions per minute. The tests showed that the low heat of the vehicle’s idling diesel engine during the tests created warm air that helped prevent freezing of the discharge system’s piping and other components.

The new power cot system — which costs about $24,000 each — was installed in the newest ambulance in the Chippewa Falls Fire Department fleet last week, and it went into service for the first time on Friday, said fire Chief Mike Hepfler.

The total cost to buy two power cot systems for their ambulances, and refurbish four existing cots, is about $58,000. When Hepfler reached the fundraising goal for one system, he bought it with hopes of raising money for the other system in coming months.