REV Fire Group, which includes REV GroupInc. manufacturers of fire apparatus E-ONE^®, KME^®, Ferrara^™, Spartan Fire Chassis^™, Spartan Emergency Response^®, Smeal^™, and Ladder Tower^™, will debut Vector, the first North American-style fully electric fire truck, during FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) in Indianapolis, Indiana from April 28-30, 2022.

As one of the most exciting developments in the firefighting industry, this new electric fire truck is innovatively engineered so firefighters can drive and pump on electric power only. Developed with technology partner Emergency One Group LTD – maker of the world’s first EV fire truck – this new electric fire truck packs 316 kW of proven automotive-grade batteries to deliver the longest electric pumping duration in the industry. Vector performs 100 percent of fire ground duties on 100 percent electric with unrivaled performance, range, and efficiency

Designed with the same components that are used on diesel-driven fire apparatus, Vector’s electric motor takes the place of the diesel engine, driving the pump or the rear axle in normal split shaft operation. Its low center of gravity battery placement provides better cornering with more predictable handling and is safer in a crash.

“We’re excited for Vector to debut at FDIC. We developed the ultimate fully electric fire truck without sacrificing the critical elements that firefighters value in the North American style, responding to our customer demand for cleaner technology, reduced noise pollution and lower carbon footprint. We look forward to sharing this with everyone at FDIC and the world,” stated Kent Tyler, President of REV Fire Group.

A special launch event will be held at REV Fire Group’s World of Innovation and Protection at Booth #4516 during FDIC at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29, and to mark the debut of Vector and to demonstrate other technological innovations, including:

• GE DisInFx: Utilizes UVC and UVA technology to help reduce viruses in air and bacteria and fungus on surfaces including SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19. The small device can be easily installed into the cab headliner and includes white and red LED lights which exceed NFPA surface illumination requirements providing the necessary cab interior lighting. 

• Smart Reach^™ Multi-Stance^™ System: Attendees can experience firsthand this patented new Smeal ladder and outrigger control system that offers 360-degree, no dead-zone functionality on aerials that can be adapted to the scene while maintaining full reach. The Smart Reach control console provides real-time data, and its electric and hydraulic aerial controls offer the ultimate in smooth operation. It also offers Advance Rung Lighting, a series of RGB LED light strips that can have customized patterns running the length of the ladder.

• ECO IDLE-TEC^™: This idle reduction system, specifically designed for fire apparatus, shuts off the main engine during EMS and rescue calls, eliminating loud diesel engine noise and exhaust while maintaining power for lighting, air conditioning and more. This reduces operating costs, and help to protect the environment, and improve driver safety and comfort.

• Active Air Purification System: Designed with advanced Photohydroionization^® (PHI Cell) and UV technology, these units kill 99 percent of pathogens, including the virus which causes COVID-19, in the air and on surfaces delivering better air quality and a safer cab environment for your crew.

REV Fire Group representatives will be present to discuss the unique features of each o

A man Monday afternoon led police on a 75-mile chase in a stolen ambulance, multiple media outlets report.

Around 4:40 p.m., the man stole an ambulance that was parked on the 200 block of West Cermak Avenue, outside a Chicago Fire Department station.

The man then led police on a chase throughout the Chicago area that ended in Grundy County.

Police were able to disable the ambulance and, after a short foot pursuit, tackled the man and took him into custody at the the Grundy County Jail.

OCFL Update | Orange County Fire Station 68 Ribbon Cutting from Orange TV on Vimeo.

Orange County Fire Rescue recently celebrated its newest facility, Station 68, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The station, the county’s 44th, is located on Goldenrod Road and “is a state-of-the-art firehouse with a community room, stainless-steel kitchen, private sleeping quarters for all firefighters, and clean technology.”

It will serve East Orange County.

A two-year, $5.25 million remodeling of a historic Charleston fire station is finished, while firefighters have moved back into the facility, reports live5news.com.

Officials say they aimed to keep the historic nature of the station, located at 5 Cannon St., during the makeover while updating it to modern standards. Its arches and brick outside remain, and the inside is completely different.

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The original station was built in 1888, while the remodeling began in February 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic got out of hand, the report says.

The project was funded mainly via a FEMA grant, though the city chipped in about $1.3 million as part of the 25% match.

Work includes making the building more immune to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

The department says it will soon have an open house for all to see the renovations.