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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: May 28, 2022

Lino Lakes (MN) to Buy $182k 2004 Replacement for Aerial 11

Lino Lakes fire officials say they’re fortunate to have found a used apparatus to replace Aerial 11, which was taken out of service due to a structural issue, reports northmetrotv.com. City council recently approved buying a replacement but only as a temporary solution.

Aerial 11’s body, engine, and transmission are still fine, but it’s corrosion on the frame that’s the problem, according to the report. Officials say the apparatus is beyond repair, and crews have begun removing reusable parts.

The department then needed a replacement, and supply-chain issues were only delaying any possible delivery dates to two or three years.

The department found a 2004 model in WI for about $182,000, the report says. However, the apparatus isn’t everything the deaprtment needs, and the department is still using two aging smaller trucks.

The plan, according to the report, is to put down a specification for two new water tender pumpers and eventually replace the 2004 truck. The aim is to make those changes in the next few years.

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Posted: May 27, 2022

Braintree (MA) Updating 91-Year-Old Station for $11.5M

Braintree town council has approved an additional $7 million of renovations for the 91-year-old fire headquarters, reports patriotledger.com, bringing the total available to $11.5 million.

The funds are part of Mayor Charles Kokoros’ $21.6 million capital budget plan, for which there is now a comprehensive plan, the report says.

The work includes a two-story addition, with larger dorm space for firefighters, a new restroom and shower facilities, a decon area, a fitness center, a new kitchen, and a training area.

Officials say there are still unknowns—asbestos, possible lead contamination, according to the report—that could inflate the final cost, but they all agree that the work is necessary for the outdated facility.

Braintree facilities officials have been renovating the Braintree Historical Society’s Gallivan House on Washington Street for use as a temporary facility while the work is performed, which will save the town upward of $500,000, the report says.

The capital plan also includes $710,000 for a new fire engine. Money for the projects will come from borrowing, the report notes.

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Posted: May 27, 2022

Carson City (NV) Fire Truck Catches Fire

A Carson City Fire Department truck caught fire early Thursday afternoon due to an electrical short, reports carsonnow.org.

The fire—which was quickly extinguished—burned a small section of insulation on the apparatus, and the damage is minor, the report notes.

The unit was blocking traffic in College Parkway near Nye Lane, though.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, while no injuries were reported, according to the report.

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Posted: May 27, 2022

Concern Caused After San Francisco (CA) Fire Truck Blocked by Autonomous Car

Early one April morning, a San Francisco Fire Department truck responding to a call attempted to pass a doubled-parked garbage truck via the opposing lane. However, a Cruise autonomous car was blocking its path, reports Wired.

The self-driving vehicle, of course, didn’t move, and the fire truck was only able to pass when a garbageman moved the truck, the report says.

The incident slowed crews’ response to the fire, which resulted in property damage and injuries, officials say. It has city officials worried about response times, as it’s the latest in a string of incidents involving Cruise vehicles, according to the report.

However, Cruise officials say the autonomous car correctly yielded to the oncoming traffic. In addition, they say that, via remote operations, the fire truck was able to move 25 seconds after the incident, the report says.

Related Articles:
“Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle” Makes Off-Road Work Easier, Safer and More Efficient
MSA Safety Announces Investment and Collaboration Agreement with Swiss Autonomous Drone Technology Firm to Enhance Fire Service Offerings
Video: GMA Visits San Francisco to Check Out New Pumpers
Two San Francisco (CA) Fire Engines Collide Responding to Call
New San Francisco Floating Fire Station Opens for Operations

Now, city officials are objecting to parts of a proposed permit program being crafted by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Read more about the incident and its repercussions here.

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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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