The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans on igniting at least seven prescribed burns on state trust lands this spring, according to a Thursday announcement. According to the DNR, these prescribed burns will take place in areas of central and eastern Washington, and will begin in early April.
- PUB DATE: 3/28/2023 5:18:38 PM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13 Tacoma

The administration is asking Parkersburg City Council to approve spending more than $2.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, which includes $1 million for a ladder truck and $60,000 to pay off the fire department’s burn tower, newsandsentinel.com reported.

The budget revisions are on the council’s agenda for Tuesday night, along with $90,000 to repair the water slide at Southwood Park, $580,000 for two new Sanitation Department packer trucks and $540,000 for new street sweepers, the report said.

A city official told council he was considering a request for equipment purchases using ARPA funds during the recent municipal budget hearings, according to the report.

The money can be spent directly from the city’s ARPA allotment because it’s for public health and public safety, a city official said.

The $1 million for the ladder truck will be supplemented by $275,000 allocated for the purchase in the capital reserve fund and $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, the report said.

A fire official saved the city between $500,000-$700,000 by proposing buying a slightly smaller truck than the city now uses, the report said. It would have the same maximum ladder length of 100 feet but would not have a bucket and platform at the top. The existing truck could be used as a backup and the reduced wear would allow it to remain in service longer.

This webcast will explore the job of the aerial driver and operator beyond basic training. It will dive into the information drivers need to know that may not be readily available: the newer trucks and what safety systems there are and can be in place and their pros and cons; how the specification process and final inspection can alter the operations of the apparatus; the operator’s manual and what information is extremely valuable to the driver/operator; some common department policies that can guide or hinder the operator; and tactical positioning of the apparatus and how to maximize the vehicle’s use.

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Chief Concerns Richard Marinucci

If you ask “What is the primary job of an engine company?” you will likely get a response that the role is about water delivery to a fire, including establishing a water supply and deploying attack lines regardless of what tactical mode you are operating in—offensive or defensive.

In virtually every fire department, that is an oversimplification of what is expected from these companies and vehicles. Engines have become the “do all” base of operations for all types of emergencies from the standard fire response to structures on fire, EMS calls, and special rescue. This creates some challenges to evaluate and address.

I have frequently been asked by city managers, mayors, council members, and financial officers why fire trucks cost so much. There is no simple answer—there are governmental regulations, technological advances, normal inflation, and the like. Also, departments are asking for a lot more functions from their fire engines than ever before. The vehicles need to be built to accommodate the additional responsibilities, which add components to increase gross vehicle weight, power more tools and equipment, and create space.

There is probably no definitive data on the number of departments that do not have specialized and separate engine and truck companies, but one could reasonably assume that beyond metro departments, most organizations have multifunction engine companies. Departments have limited resources including staffing and funds for aerial apparatus, so they have no choice but to include all the necessary equipment on engines for the types of emergencies they will likely face.

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At structure fires, certain truck company jobs must be performed. Specific tools are required to do this efficiently and effectively—ladders to reach the bulk of roofs and floors or buildings in the community, saws, forcible entry tools, and the like. There are creative ways to make space but there are limitations and challenges. In fire situations, time is an important factor. Overstuffed compartments can cause delays. Also, consider methods to power the tools such as fuel storage and electrical.

Many departments have tried to maximize the value of engines by adding equipment for services other than water delivery. This is almost always a better option than trying to purchase and maintain a fleet where all the vehicles have limited functions.

One area of added responsibilities that has changed engines is EMS. The need for space and energy is definitely a design and maintenance challenge. Depending on the level of service, multiple compartments may be needed for equipment. This can include simple “jump boxes” as well as advanced life support supplies. Besides space considerations, security for drug boxes is essential. Some equipment requires charging, so electrical needs are an important factor. Having enough power going to the proper compartments should be part of new truck specifications; if it is not, research after-market add-ons. Electrical issues can cause headaches for a long time. Read more

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