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The Finest Supporting the Bravest!

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: Jun 14, 2016

Dayton (OH) Fire Apparatus Involved in Crash

A Dayton fire truck responding to a reported fire was involved in a crash Tuesday morning. A box truck crashed into the fire truck shortly before 8 a.m. at Keowee Street and Hillrose Avenue. No one was injured.

 

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Posted: Jun 14, 2016

Atkinson (NH) Fire Department Places HME Rescue-Pumper in Service

The Atkinson (NH) Fire Department has recently taken delivery of an all new custom HME, Incorporated, rescue-pumper. Built on an HME 1871-W chassis and with an MFDxl 12-inch raised roof cab, it is powered by a Cummins ISL9 450-hp EPA 13 engine. The 47” pump house combines a Hale Q-Max pump with HME Hydra Technology™. The fire truck also features aluminum wheels, 40-amp ProMariner battery charger, 320-amp Leece-Neville alternator, LED interior lighting package, a backup camera system, two full-height EMS cabinets, a six-inch bumper extension, left and right running board hosewell, a FoamPro 2001 foam system with a 30-gallon tank, two 1.5-inch speedlays and one 2.5-inch. The stainless steel body has 176 cubic feet of compartment storage, a 90-cubic-foot hosebed, 1,800-gallon water tank, FRC scene lights and shelves, trays, and tool boards throughout.

Salesman: Glenn Davis and Jim Lindquist

Dealer: Lake Region Fire Apparatus, Inc.

Dealer Location: West Ossippee 

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Posted: Jun 14, 2016

Austin (TX) Fire Department Receives First Large-Scale Mobile Ventilation Unit

In May, the Austin (TX) Fire Department (AFD) took delivery of one of its most recent apparatus purchases, and the only one of its kind for the department: a truck-mounted large-scale mobile ventilation unit coined the “Smoke Buster.” Austin’s acquisition of the ventilator was the final result of nearly 18 months of testing and research.

The AFD began the initial purchasing process in 2014 when it solicited the help of some local university engineering students. They ran a number of ventilation tests and simulations within large structures. Simultaneously, the department used the opportunity to evaluate a number of mobile ventilation products from some of the top manufacturers in the world. The conclusions of the study were clear: particular incident types require large-scale ventilation beyond what traditional positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) and positive-pressure attack (PPA) fans are capable of. Austin needed access to such a solution.

The AFD’s Smoke Buster uses a Tempest MVU®-L125 mounted in the bed of a Dodge Ram® heavy-duty diesel pick-up truck. The final custom fabrication and installation of the apparatus was delivered by Skeeter Brush Trucks out of Hillsboro, Texas. The Smoke Buster was showcased in Tempest Technology Corporation’s booth at FDIC International 2016 in Indianapolis. Tempest has more than 200 similar ventilators in operation around the world.

For more information, visit www.tempest.us.com.

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Posted: Jun 14, 2016

New Rescue, Fire Gear Can Tear Through Cars Faster, Save Lives

UNION - In crisis, every minute matters. For years, Union Township firefighters relied on bulky extrication tools, commonly referred to as the "Jaws of Life," to wrench through cars and rescue victims trapped inside. The tools worked - but its sheer weight inhibited speed.

And as cars modernized and were built with high-strength boron-infused steel, older excavation tools became more antiquated.

Union Township firefighters revealed on Monday their newest prized possession: A lighter, faster extrication tool 30 percent lighter than older models and three times as strong.

"It's great to use," said firefighter Paulo Lopes. "It's light. It's fast. The spreaders open quickly. They close faster so you can cut and move onto the next cut a lot faster."

Lopes then proved his point.

In 17 minutes, the firefighters tore apart a car donated by chemical company BASF for the purpose of demonstration. By the end, shards of glass littered the ground surrounding the dusty orange hatchback, and its doors lay around the periphery. The smell of gasoline lingered in the air.

"New vehicle technology is a big challenge for us," said Lt. Anthony Schmidtberg.

Even with the newer extrication technology, Schmidtberg said tearing into a car requires a certain level of precision. Carelessness can trigger explosions in hoods and trunks.

The department paid $250,000 to buy 78 pieces of equipment, including hoses and storage bags, said fire chief Thomas Byrne. Officials will pay back the $250,000 to the equipment company, ESI, over a period of two years with no interest.

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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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