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Richard Marinucci |
The fire engine is the most essential and versatile apparatus for a vast majority of fire departments.
It is also a great source of pride, as it should be. Sometimes this appears to take precedence in organizations, as there is much debate about look and appearance. For years, there has been a debate on the color (red vs. green for safety reasons), color schemes, reflective striping and marking, and even the proper shade of red. There is little standardization, and changes in department administration can mean a significant change in how the apparatus looks. Obviously, this is very important and, while some of these observations are presented with tongue in cheek, it is not meant to diminish anything that a department views as important to its operation. But in the end, an engine has the basic responsibility to deliver water to the fire.
Getting Water on the Fire
Every fire department, from largest to smallest, must figure out the best way to get water on the fire. In addition to the scrutiny that some place on color schemes and markings, there must be an understanding of the capabilities of water delivery as required by individual departments. This would include how much water is needed, how quickly you would like to establish a supply, needed devices and appliances, and whether delivery is sustainable until crews extinguish the fire. In addition to the engine’s mechanical capabilities, staffing, equipment, and training will determine water delivery competence. And, departments must maintain the engines so they operate at their intended efficiency and effectiveness. An honest appraisal of this proficiency will help establish the best strategy and tactics to use.
Equipment to Carry
What is needed on an engine? That would depend on what you want it to do. Sometimes there is a tendency to overstock and overspec the vehicles with the thought that you have to be ready for any potential event. This makes sense only if all the other aspects of water delivery and other intended services match. Personnel must train and maintain their skill levels through repetition. All the components of the vehicle and carried equipment, including hose, appliances, nozzles, special rescue devices, ladders, forcible entry tools, and anything else that someone determines is essential, must be maintained so that they perform as intended when needed on an emergency. Obviously, this takes time, and organizations need to know that they will be able to perform these important functions. Equipment failures are more than embarrassing to departments - they negatively affect outcomes during emergency actions. This can contribute to injuries or worse.
Know First Dues
Departments should know the hazards in their communities and the potential fire load for any given event. A fire engine provides the basic service, but staffing must match the capabilities. Many communities lack staffing according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments, and rely on mutual aid to address large incidents. Yet, their vehicles are sometimes equipped as if they have a full complement of firefighters on board. If an organization is responding with one or two people on an engine, the personnel are limited in what they will be able to do until help arrives. They should consider deck-mounted deluge guns that require minimal staffing. They should consider larger tank capacities for water, as