Recently the Fort Buchanan Fire Department, Guaynabo Puerto Rico, conducted the annual fire apparatus pump test for its primary and backup engines. During the planning process, our team came up with a great solution to save water usage as well as for cost in renting or purchasing expensive equipment to conduct the test. By simply adding a cunstuction dump truck to the equation (thanks to our installation public works), we were able to bounce, retain, redirect, and reuse the water from the portable tank we were drafting from. This setup allowed the team to reuse most of the water being discharged during the test, saving thousands of gallons of water. 

By completing the NFPA annual pump test, we ensure that Camille (Engine 1) and Old Smokey (Engine 2) are ready when needed.

Photographs taken by: Fireman Parker

Storyline written by: Assistant Chief De Jesus

The Freedom (NH) Fire Department has taken delivery of an HME Ahrens-Fox rescue-pumper. The fire apparatus is built on the 1871-W body with an MFDxl-12 cab featuring a raised roof for increased headspace and features corrosion-resistant roll-up doors. The rear horizontal handrails have HME’s patented LED lighting technology integrated into the grab bar. Also featured is a 52-degree cramp angle, allowing for tight space maneuverability. The rescue-pumper is powered by a Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine and Allison 3000EVS automatic transmission. It uses a Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump and features an FRC TurboFoam TFC126-030 Class A foam system and 30-gallon foam tank. It’s water tank holds 1,050 gallons.

Salesman: Glenn Davis 

Dealer: Lakes Region Fire Apparatus 

Dealer Location: Barnstead, NH