By Alan M. Petrillo

An engine company’s minimum complement of ground ladders, as dictated by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2016 ed.), comprises one extension ladder, one straight ladder equipped with roof hooks, and one attic ladder.

But, sometimes, those ladders don’t fit a situation where firefighters find themselves because of a tight space, inadequate room, hard-to-access ingress, uneven surfaces, or another type of issue. However, there are ladder types that go beyond the typical ladder complement to fit those situations.

1 The model 35B is a traditional jackknife-style combination ladder made by Duo-Safety Ladder that can be converted from a straight ladder to an A-frame. (Photo courtesy of Duo-Safety Ladder.)

Combination Ladders

Randy Vandersee, plant manager of Duo-Safety Ladder, says Duo-Safety makes two versions of an A-frame or combination ladder that work well in unusual circumstances. “Our 300A model works as an extension ladder where the fly slides up, as well as an A-frame ladder that has a spreader assembly similar to a step ladder,” Vandersee says. “This ladder is available in a six- to nine-foot length (six feet A-frame and nine feet extension), an eight- to 13-foot length, and a 10- to 15-foot length.”

2 Little Giant Ladder Systems makes the Overhaul, a multipurpose, triple combination ladder that can serve as an A-frame, a roof, or an attic ladder and has a carrying handle. (Photo courtesy of Little Giant Ladder Systems.)

Duo-Safety also makes the model 35B, a traditional jackknife-style combination ladder, Vandersee points out. “It’s often used to bridge a fence or wall,” he notes. “It folds in the center and comes in six- to 12-foot, seven- to 14-foot, and eight- to 16-foot lengths.”

Sam Cramer, chief executive officer at Alco-Lite, a product line made by Sam Carbis Solutions Group, says that Alco-Lite makes the CJL series ladder, which is a short extension and A-frame combination ladder. “We’ve made the CJL series for years, and it has traditionally sold well in the New York and Pennsylvania areas,” Cramer says. “It can be an A-frame or stepladder when needed or be reconfigured into an extension ladder in 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-foot lengths. In the A-frame configuration, it runs from six to 10 feet high.”

3 This MT-22 model ladder, made by Werner Company, can function as a straight ladder or as an adjustable A-frame stairway ladder as shown. (Photo courtesy of Werner Company.)

Lyndon Walpole, vice presiden

By Doug Miller

Nearly two years ago, you may have read an article about pump intake valves in the May 2014 issue of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment.

In the article, I mentioned a work-in-progress Pump Selection Guide. Here is a quick recap and an update on where the guide stands today.

Guide’s Origin

Over the past several years, shrinking budgets have forced many fire departments to evaluate and make changes in their business models. Every expenditure is scrutinized in an effort to make every dollar count and to spend limited funds wisely.

Many departments have had to delay purchasing much-needed fire apparatus during this time. However, these delays can only happen for so long as aging fire apparatus may be costing too much in repairs, may no longer be safe, or may not be the proper tools for the changing missions of the agencies. If this sounds like your department, then it’s likely that fire apparatus replacement may be one of the top line items in your budget. But, will you replace an old, worn-out pumper with something that has nearly the same layout? Or, will the fire apparatus be specified with the latest technology and a different layout to accommodate more equipment to serve multiple types of missions?

Fast forward to today, and it appears a growing number of departments are able to purchase those much-needed fire apparatus replacements. When doing so, departments should consider many factors for fire apparatus, specifically a new pumper, which may be the workhorse of the fleet. These factors typically include the following:

• The vehicle’s mission. What has changed since the previous truck was built 20 or more years ago?
• Cab design. How many firefighters will ride the new rig?
• Overall size. Can a smaller unit be just as effective?
• Pump capacity rating. How much water is really available?
• Compartment size and layout. How much “stuff” do we need to take along to cover the various missions?

As needs have changed in recent years, fire apparatus manufacturers have responded to those needs. There are many more options available today for nearly everything fire apparatus-related. To get more compartment space to carry all the “stuff” and keep the overall size of the rig within reason, truck design has seen many changes and many additional options concerning pump location, pump operator’s position location, and pump drive options.

Pumps are the heart of many of today’s fire apparatus, and understanding the various configurations will help fire apparatus committees make informed decisions when specifying a new rig. A new tool is now available from the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) that provides information on the many pump options available today.

Fire Apparatus Pump Selection Guide

The Fire Apparatus Pump Selection Guide gives the reader information on pump types, pump locations, how pump capacity ratings are determined, and many other aspects of pumping apparatus design. The information covers several topics, including pump drive methods, intake valve types, pump discharge options, and other components critical to safe operation.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, and NFPA 1906, Standard for Wildland Apparatus, cover minimum standards for new apparatus. Departments should reference them when creating spec

By Doug Miller

Nearly two years ago, you may have read an article about pump intake valves in the May 2014 issue of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment.

In the article, I mentioned a work-in-progress Pump Selection Guide. Here is a quick recap and an update on where the guide stands today.

Guide’s Origin

Over the past several years, shrinking budgets have forced many fire departments to evaluate and make changes in their business models. Every expenditure is scrutinized in an effort to make every dollar count and to spend limited funds wisely.

Many departments have had to delay purchasing much-needed fire apparatus during this time. However, these delays can only happen for so long as aging fire apparatus may be costing too much in repairs, may no longer be safe, or may not be the proper tools for the changing missions of the agencies. If this sounds like your department, then it’s likely that fire apparatus replacement may be one of the top line items in your budget. But, will you replace an old, worn-out pumper with something that has nearly the same layout? Or, will the fire apparatus be specified with the latest technology and a different layout to accommodate more equipment to serve multiple types of missions?

Fast forward to today, and it appears a growing number of departments are able to purchase those much-needed fire apparatus replacements. When doing so, departments should consider many factors for fire apparatus, specifically a new pumper, which may be the workhorse of the fleet. These factors typically include the following:

• The vehicle’s mission. What has changed since the previous truck was built 20 or more years ago?
• Cab design. How many firefighters will ride the new rig?
• Overall size. Can a smaller unit be just as effective?
• Pump capacity rating. How much water is really available?
• Compartment size and layout. How much “stuff” do we need to take along to cover the various missions?

As needs have changed in recent years, fire apparatus manufacturers have responded to those needs. There are many more options available today for nearly everything fire apparatus-related. To get more compartment space to carry all the “stuff” and keep the overall size of the rig within reason, truck design has seen many changes and many additional options concerning pump location, pump operator’s position location, and pump drive options.

Pumps are the heart of many of today’s fire apparatus, and understanding the various configurations will help fire apparatus committees make informed decisions when specifying a new rig. A new tool is now available from the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) that provides information on the many pump options available today.

Fire Apparatus Pump Selection Guide

The Fire Apparatus Pump Selection Guide gives the reader information on pump types, pump locations, how pump capacity ratings are determined, and many other aspects of pumping apparatus design. The information covers several topics, including pump drive methods, intake valve types, pump discharge options, and other components critical to safe operation.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, and NFPA 1906, Standard for Wildland Apparatus, cover minimum standards for new apparatus. Departments should reference them when creating spec

By Doug Miller

Nearly two years ago, you may have read an article about pump intake valves in the May 2014 issue of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment.

In the article, I mentioned a work-in-progress Pump Selection Guide. Here is a quick recap and an update on where the guide stands today.

Guide’s Origin

Over the past several years, shrinking budgets have forced many fire departments to evaluate and make changes in their business models. Every expenditure is scrutinized in an effort to make every dollar count and to spend limited funds wisely.

Many departments have had to delay purchasing much-needed fire apparatus during this time. However, these delays can only happen for so long as aging fire apparatus may be costing too much in repairs, may no longer be safe, or may not be the proper tools for the changing missions of the agencies. If this sounds like your department, then it’s likely that fire apparatus replacement may be one of the top line items in your budget. But, will you replace an old, worn-out pumper with something that has nearly the same layout? Or, will the fire apparatus be specified with the latest technology and a different layout to accommodate more equipment to serve multiple types of missions?

Fast forward to today, and it appears a growing number of departments are able to purchase those much-needed fire apparatus replacements. When doing so, departments should consider many factors for fire apparatus, specifically a new pumper, which may be the workhorse of the fleet. These factors typically include the following:

• The vehicle’s mission. What has changed since the previous truck was built 20 or more years ago?
• Cab design. How many firefighters will ride the new rig?
• Overall size. Can a smaller unit be just as effective?
• Pump capacity rating. How much water is really available?
• Compartment size and layout. How much “stuff” do we need to take along to cover the various missions?

As needs have changed in recent years, fire apparatus manufacturers have responded to those needs. There are many more options available today for nearly everything fire apparatus-related. To get more compartment space to carry all the “stuff” and keep the overall size of the rig within reason, truck design has seen many changes and many additional options concerning pump location, pump operator’s position location, and pump drive options.

Pumps are the heart of many of today’s fire apparatus, and understanding the various configurations will help fire apparatus committees make informed decisions when specifying a new rig. A new tool is now available from the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) that provides information on the many pump options available today.

Fire Apparatus Pump Selection Guide

The Fire Apparatus Pump Selection Guide gives the reader information on pump types, pump locations, how pump capacity ratings are determined, and many other aspects of pumping apparatus design. The information covers several topics, including pump drive methods, intake valve types, pump discharge options, and other components critical to safe operation.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, and NFPA 1906, Standard for Wildland Apparatus, cover minimum standards for new apparatus. Departments should reference them when creating spec

In this series, Fire Engineering Senior Editor Mary Jane Dittmar looks at the things that motivated and inspired instructors to present on their topics at FDIC International 2016. Segments will be posted on a regular basis up to and through the conference, April 18-23.

Thomas Dunne

Deputy Chief

Fire Department of New York

We’re Only Human: Understanding Fireground Behavior

SEE VIDEO

Monday, April 18, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

My primary goal is to provide information about a vital, seldom-discussed aspect of firefighting—how people typically act at a fire or other disaster. In my 33 years with the Fire Department of New York, I received a great education on strategy and tactics, but little about human behavior in a crisis.

Preservation of life is the number one goal in the fire service. A basic knowledge of human behavior in a crisis can assist us in managing searches, evacuating buildings, and effectively communicating with people in distress. Understanding how they think and the ability to predict how they will  react (or not react) at a fire, how they function in groups, their choice of exits, their reactions to alarms, their stairway movement patterns, and the other topics covered can be incorporated into the overall size-up process we perform at every response.

Optimally, my class will enable the students to take home the concepts discussed and make practical, hands-on use of them in firefighting. It is far better to manage fire operations based on knowing how people will likely behave vs. how we think they will act. Similarly, we should base our risk evaluations, building prefire plans, and fire prevention activities with this in mind.

I recently presented this class to a large group of volunteer firefighters. They found the class entertaining--more importantly, they said they found the information useful and complemented their firefighting education. I look forward to sharing the same experience and the same results with our FDIC attendees.