Using the crash reconstruction software and time measurements taken from the video, we can safely assume that this apparatus approached a steady red light and then entered the intersection at approximately 45 mph. As the vehicle crossed through the intersection, it “slowed” to around 35 mph. These facts are based on solid, scientific evidence.

Having calculated the approach speed of the tiller ladder, we can now calculate the distance it would take for the fire apparatus operator to perceive an encroaching vehicle, react to the approaching vehicle, and then skid the apparatus to a complete stop. Assuming a dry asphalt roadway and an air-brake equipped vehicle, it would take the tiller ladder approximately 300 feet to come to a stop once the driver perceived a vehicle crossing his path. ¹

Having calculated the required stopping distance for the tiller ladder, we must then examine how this driving behavior relates to the vehicle code in this state. As pointed out by several of the comments made by the keyboard commandos, the Maryland vehicle code does not require that an emergency vehicle come to a complete stop at a red light. Instead, the vehicle code states that an emergency vehicle, while en route to a call, may “pass a red or stop signal, a stop sign, or a yield sign, but only after slowing down as necessary for safety.” ²

So, what does “slowing down as necessary for safety” really mean? In this case, the intersection is approximately 150 feet across. If the tiller ladder approached the intersection at approximately 45 mph, it would require approximately 300 feet to come to a stop. If a vehicle encroached into its path of travel, the ladder truck would travel twice the distance of the intersection before coming to a screeching stop. There is no way an emergency vehicle driver would be able to stop the ladder truck to avoid a vehicle that comes into its path of travel somewhere in the intersection.

At this point, those in support of this type of driving will say “you weren’t there” and “you don’t know what the sight distance was.” Nonsense. This is a large, four-lane intersection with cross traffic and turn lanes. There is no way a reasonable emergency vehicle driver can assume that everyone on the cross street will see the approaching emergency vehicle. Even if there were no obstacles on the corners (such as trees, road signs, etc.), the fact that this is a multilane roadway means there are “built-in” sight obstructions. Have you ever driven next to a large van, tractor trailer, or SUV? If you are traveling in the left lane and there is a large vehicle in the right l

Utica (IL) Fire Protection District, rescue-pumper. Impel cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 750-gallon tank.

The dangers of the job don't necessarily end with the fire. A Hillsborough County firefighter was reminded of this on Wednesday night, as he helped his colleagues clean up, reports abcactionnews.com.

While helping a fire truck back up, a firefighter got tangled up in a fire hose, was dragged to the ground, and then dragged by the moving truck. The firefighter yelled "stop" several times, clearly in pain, and then yelled to the truck to move forward so he could escape.

The firefighter was conscious and alert after the incident, but was but on a stretcher and then taken to the hospital for his injuries, which appeared to be to his legs. It was not immediately clear what the extent of his injuries were.

Meanwhile, the house on Howell Road was deemed a "total loss" by firefighters with the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue unit. Neighbors tell ABC Action News that an elderly man lived in the home, although it wasn't clear if he was home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire was not yet announced either.

Read more of the story here http://tinyurl.com/zvfzyke

North Ridgeville's City Council's Safety Committee voted Wednesday to recommend a Columbus architectural firm to design and oversee construction of the city’s $8.1 million central fire station.

City Council may vote next week to employ Mull & Weithman Architects Inc. to design a state-of-the-art 22,594-square-foot facility that will include four vehicle bays, specialized rooms for decontamination and sterilizing of used firefighting equipment and life-saving apparatus as well as modern dormitory-style rooms on a second floor for on-duty firefighters.

Legislation authorizing a nearly $800,000 contract with the architects is before Council.

Bradley J. Mull and Joe Weithman, co-owners of the architectural firm, made a presentation to the three-person committee as well as other officials, including Fire Chief John Reese and Safety-Service Director Jeffry Armbruster.

With a number of major completed and pending fire station projects, most in central Ohio, the 18-year-old firm has completed an assessment of needs for the city’s existing two fire stations as well as a potential third satellite station that could be built in the future.

"Design is all about response time," Weithman told the committee. "That is a key in design."

Plans for the new station, which will replace the aging, cramped main station built in the 1950s on Avon Belden Road, call for it to be constructed south of Center Ridge Road and accessed by a planned extension of Jaycox Road running from Center Ridge to the site of the city’s new middle school next to the high school off Bainbridge Road.

Reese has long said the station’s proposed location would lead to quicker response times in the eastern part of the city.

Talks are underway with a local family to purchase two to three acres of land for the new station.

The architects presented photos and artist renderings to show specific features of the new station including treatment rooms for people transported from fire scenes. Those rooms are now planned for an area off the main entrance as is a training room that could be opened to community use.

For more information, view chronicle.northcoastnow.com