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The purpose of the Fire Mechanics Section is to promote standardization of fire apparatus and equipment preventative maintenance, improve safety standards and practices, promote workshops, conferences, and seminars related to the purposes of this Section, and to promote cost savings through standardization of building and equipment purchasing and maintenance.

RECENT FIRE MECHANIC NEWS

Posted: Nov 4, 2022

PPE at Interschutz

Keeping It Safe

Interschutz, a trade show for fire and emergency services, is held once every five years in Germany, usually in Hannover. The majority of the vendors are European based. Because of COVID, this year’s show was the first since 2015 and there were not as many exhibits as in previous years.

Robert Tutterow

PPE in Europe is an interesting study, as it often is ahead of the U.S. market. For example, Europe was the first to use leather boots and mask-mounted SCBA regulators, establish cleaning protocols, and procure cleaning equipment. And, their helmets are far more functional and integrate with the rest of the PPE ensemble in ways not possible with U.S.-style helmets.

One of the first items that got my attention was a positive pressure respirator by Tiki. The company designed the unit for hospital workers, but it probably has application in the firefighting world. Imagine being dispatched to a COVID-related call and being able to don simple, lightweight respiratory protection without the weight and bulk of an SCBA. The electronic unit does not require a cylinder. It has a filtration system (inhale and exhale), has a 1- to 2.5-hour duration, and is reusable (photo 1).

 Positive pressure respirator by Tiki. (Photos by author.)

The cleaning equipment for PPE was by far the largest ever displayed at Interschutz. There were multiple variations of washer/extractors, drying equipment, and machines for cleaning PPE elements other than pants and coats (photo 2).

 Washer/extractors, drying equipment, and machines.

Many of the drying machine configurations would handle these elements. Of particular interest was a company, Decontex, which uses liquid CO2 to clean PPE. Though very expensive, it appears to do a great job of cleaning and gear is dry when the 30-minute cleaning process is complete. Moreover, it is suitable for cleaning the entire ensemble of helmet, hood, coat, gloves, pants, and b

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Posted: Nov 4, 2022

Photo Apparatus of the Day: November 4, 2022

E-ONE—Carrollton (VA) Volunteer Fire Department HR100 aerial ladder quint. Cyclone cab and chassis; Cummins X12 500-hp engine; 100-foot aerial ladder; 12-foot jack spread; Waterous CSU 1,500-gpm pump; 300-gallon polypropylene water tank; HiViz LED lighting BG2 scene/warning LED lights; Whelen warning light package. Dealer: Sean Doney, Matheny Fire & Emergency, Hagerstown, MD.


PREVIOUS PHOTO OF THE DAY >>

MORE FIRE APPARATUS ARTICLES >>

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Posted: Nov 4, 2022

Lincoln (NE) Fire & Rescue Add Three New Vehicles to Fleet

Lincoln Fire & Rescue on Thursday unveiled three new vehicles to replace aging equipment, KLKNTV.com reported.

LFR said the new fire engines and ambulance will increase firefighter safety and lower response times, the report said.

The new equipment was paid for with LFR’s federal COVID-19 relief money. Each engine cost about $611,000, and the ambulance cost $286,000, according to the report.

The new vehicles are being fitted with hoses, tools and communications devices before they are placed into service sometime in the next three to five weeks, the report said.

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Posted: Nov 4, 2022

Beaufort/Port Royal (SC) Fire Engine Rolls; No Injuries

Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department’s Engine 4 rolled over onto its side shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday while being turned off of Boundary Street onto Robert Smalls Parkway, YourIslandNews.com reported.

It appears the right wheel struck the concrete curb taking out a large chunk, the report said. Centrifugal force and weight of 43,000 pounds combined to roll the department’s newest truck. There were no other vehicles involved, according to the report.

Two firefighters were on board at the time. Both were strapped in and were uninjured, according a fire official, the report said.

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Fire Mechanics Section Board

Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Chair

Elliot Courage
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue
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Vice Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Vice Chair

Mike Smith 
Pierce County Fire District #5
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Secretary

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Secretary

Greg Bach
South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue
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Director #1

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #1

Doug Jones
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
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Director #2

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #2

Paul Spencer 
Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC
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Director #3

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #3

Jim Morris
Mountain View Fire Department
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Director #4

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #4

Arnie Kuchta

Clark County Fire District 6

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Director #6

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #6

Brett Annear
Kitsap County Fire District 18
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Director #5

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #5

Jay Jacks
Camano Island Fire & Rescue
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Legislative Representative

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Legislative Representative

TBD
TBD
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Immediate Past Chair

Posted: Oct 20, 2015

Immediate Past Chair

Brian Fortner
Graham Fire & Rescue

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