Nowadays, many newer fire apparatus have many diagnostics on them for fluid checks via on-board computers. In my opinion, they should not replace the old reliable "dipstick."

If your apparatus does not have the dipsticks or manual fluid checks specified in the manufacturing of the truck, I would have it put into the build to assure the truck is delivered with them. Have an access hatch placed to your liking, so you can have access to these fluid checks. Manufacturers usually locate the hatch on the engine cowling/cover or "dog house" in front of crew seating in the back cab.

As with any type of fluid checks, it is highly recommended that some sort of nonporous latex glove or mechanics glove be worn to avoid harm to the skin. As far a checking the actual fluids, there is a lot that can be explained by touch, appearance or smell.

The $18 million station opened 10 years after the date originally projected when voters passed the 2003 Fire Levy (we reported on the schedule changes in 2015). It is now officially the central fire station for this area – home to Ladder 11, Engine 32, and Medic 32, as it had been before, plus the area’s battalion-chief unit, Battalion 7, moved to Station 32, from Station 29 in North Admiral.

Four firefighters will be on duty at all times. The station is equipped with sleeping quarters, a kitchen, bathrooms and showers, and an exercise gym.

It also has two bays to park two of its three vehicles and could be expanded to allow a third bay, Jackson said.

Crews onboard Seguin Fire Department’s Engine One were in route to a rescue call on Saturday afternoon when the wind started picking up. And then the unthinkable happened:

A tree fell on the truck.

“Literally slicing through the front tab, right between the driver and front passenger seat,” said Morgan Ash with the City of Seguin.

Thankfully, no one was injured.

Crews spent most of the day trimming trees in the area off Highway 46. Powerlines were snapped and mailboxes were down but no injuries were reported.

“It’s just miraculous that are still alive today,” Ash said.