“The worst fireground conditions we run into routinely will have air temperatures from 571 F to 2000 F and normally found during severe exposures like a flashover or backdraft,” said Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Although the exposure to this firefighter was lower, the PPE provided a protection level so the employee can escape the situation with minimum harm. The intensity of these exposures generally causes damage to gear in a variety of ways.”  

Schaeffer explained that exposure to ordinary and emergency situations of fireground exposures affect PPE. For the most part, they do not show damage for routine levels of exposure.  All of the PPE outer shell fabrics are made of inherently flame-resistant fibers — Nomex, Kevlar, PBI, Basofil, etc. 

When fabrics made from these fibers are exposed to high heat, the first effect seen is loss of dye (the black color). If a fabric is dyed, the dye sublimes (it goes from a solid to a vapor) which makes the fabric revert to its natural color.

Fire Chief Bill Anderson said he is thankful for the grant that will allow the purchase of a cot and loader systems. He is hopeful the request for the passage of a 2-mill, five-year fire levy will allow the Fire Department to purchase an additional cot for another ambulance.

The 1995 Sutphen Fire Truck is listed at $24,999. For more information contact Waterford Fire Department at (248) 673-0405.

Fire Chief Dewayne Burk said he is waiting for the museum to give him a date for that transfer. Once the vehicles arrive back in the city, they will be stored in an unused bay at Fire Station No. 8 in southwest Lawton. Ironically, the historical units from early-day Lawton are being stored in the city’s newest, state-of-the-art fire station.  

Burk said the truck and hose cart will be stored in the unused bay until he and the department determine where they can best be displayed.