Of all the components that make up a fire apparatus, tires could be considered the most critical. Without them, moving the vehicle would be extremely difficult.

WESLEY D. CHESTNUT

They bear the weight of the entire vehicle. Not that anyone can tell it in states where road conditions are poor, but they do provide some cushion for little cracks or rises in the road. Tires may seem like relatively simple components on a fire apparatus. However, consider them one of the most complex components and arguably one of the strongest.

People may not realize it, but there is critical information imprinted on the sidewall of each tire on a fire apparatus. If certain information is not adhered to, such as tire inflation pressure and load carrying capacity, there could be detrimental effects to the tires. Speed is another factor that can significantly impact tires. And, in certain cases, tire speed limitations may not be on the sidewall.

Tire Inflation

Tire inflation pressure is related to the load-carrying capacity of the tire and may vary depending on the tire as well as the total weight of the apparatus. The units of measurement are given in pounds per square inch (psi) or Kilopascals (KpA). Operating an apparatus with a tire having more than the required inflation pressure (overinflated) or not having enough air in the tire (underinflated) can cause damage to the tire.

An underinflated tire may deflect when driving, thus causing heat to be generated. Prolonged driving under this condition could lead to tread separation and other damage to the tire including a complete blowout. Telltale signs of an underinflated tire are tire bulge, the apparatus pulling to one side, or the tire feeling "loose" in the rear of the apparatus. The best way to eliminate tire pressure issues is to check the pressure frequently.

Overinflating a tire may result in the tire having less contact with the road than designed. On a steer axle, this could reduce the traction when cornering and result in an increased turn radius. Damage could occur to the tire when hitting a pothole or other objects on the road. An overinflated tire is not as easily detected as an underinflated tire. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2009 ed.), requires a tire pressure monitoring system to be installed on new compliant apparatus. This provides a means of easily checking tire pressures, which should be done on a frequent basis.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is also indicated on the side wall of the tire. The units of measurement are given in both pounds (lbs.) and kilograms (kg.). Overloading a tire can cause premature wear as well as heat buildup in the tire similar to that of an underinflated tire and yield similar results. It is absolutely critical when considering replacement tires for the apparatus to install a tire of the same load rating. When considering a new apparatus, consider using the Fire Apparatus Weight and Cube Calculator found on the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association's (FAMA) Web site at http://www.fama.org/fireServiceResources.cfm. By using this tool, the estimated amount of weight being applied to the apparatus will allow your apparatus manufacturer to determine the tire size the apparatus will require.

Intermittent Service Rating

Within the fire apparatus industry, apparatus manufacturers may receive a special capacity rating for tires that differs from the rating identified on the sidewall. This is referred to as the "Intermittent Service Rating" and mean

A three-alarm blaze at a Kent recycling plant sent thick smoke and ash billowing over adjacent neighborhoods Wednesday. Firefighters rushed to the scene, in the 1400 block of 6th Avenue North, at about 1 p.m. after receiving reports of a commercial fire. A second alarm was sounded later, then a third alarm went out at about 2 p.
- PUB DATE: 7/8/2015 2:32:07 PM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) is a program that allows fire departments to recover costs of treating and transporting Medicaid patients.  Currently, when a fire department responds and treats a Medicaid patient, the department only recovers a small portion of the actual costs of the response.   GEMT is a federally-funded, entitled program that has no impact to the local taxpayer or to the state.  Why are fire departments being allowed to do this?  These federal programs have been operating for 50 years and, in the past, it was never considered that a fire department could participate.  With GEMT in place in Washington, fire departments will be using the same programs that public hospitals and public health care clinics have had in place for decades.  This program is established for public agencies (fire departments) but doesn’t have a negative impact to private ambulance companies.  Public fire departments that contract with private ambulance companies within their jurisdiction may collect reimbursement for Medicaid transports within their jurisdiction performed by private ambulance which helps the fire department maintain the contract at a reasonable price.

The State Building Code Council (SBCC) has adopted emergency rules regarding marijuana extraction facilities. The emergency rule went into effect on July 1, 2015. 

This new rule establishes specific requirements for the handling of hazardous materials, establishes inspection standards and provides construction and permit requirements to ensure life/safety for occupants, first responders and the public. 

I encourage you to have your fire prevention officer or other applicable staff review the regulations which apply to both new and existing facilities...

Emergency personnel responding to a report of an explosion found a fully-involved house fire in east Clark County north of Washougal. A 911 call was made from the 30800 block of Northeast Staufford Road, where an explosion was reported to the north on Northeast 37th Street at about 7:50 a.m., according to emergency radio traffic.
- PUB DATE: 7/8/2015 8:23:26 AM - SOURCE: Vancouver Columbian