Monday, August 1, 2011  Over the years most pieces of fire apparatus regardless of type have become larger in size. Basic dimensions such as overall length, overall height and the in service weights of units have become so large that in some instances the physical size of the vehicle has made it difficult to work from with some tools and equipment literally out of reach of the average size fire fighter. We can all probably remember a piece of apparatus that was on display at a local fire show and thought to ourselve... [ more ]  

Friday, April 1, 2011  The Apparatus Architect series first appeared in the August, 2000 edition of Firehouse Magazine with the ambition that the material presented would “enhance a fire department’s ability to obtain properly designed and functional apparatus”. Some ten years later we still find ourselves engaged with providing practical information and examples of well designed apparatus that can be shared with all departments regardless of the size of their apparatus fleets. In this installment of The Appa... [ more ]  

Saturday, January 1, 2011  In the last installment of The Apparatus Architect we reviewed some concepts for maneuvering through the bid procurement process to insure that your department and community will receive competitive bids for your next piece of apparatus. Much of the groundwork that is established early on with your committee will pay off dividends in the end with a smooth delivery and acceptance process for the vehicle. As taxpayers are becoming more sensitive to large capital expenditures we need to do our h... [ more ]  

Monday, November 1, 2010  Your apparatus committee has just spent the past eight months investigating different manufacturers and models of pumpers for your next new rig. After the bid opening you find out that only one manufacturer put in a proposal for the pumper and that their bid is within the allocated budget for the project. Unfortunately several days later the committee learns that the city council under advisement from the solicitor has ruled that you cannot award the contract for the new pumper when only one ... [ more ]  

Sunday, August 1, 2010  Technical rescue teams are being placed into service with many departments to expand the capabilities of fire-rescue and medical response to include confined space rescue, high angle rescue, trench rescue, swift water rescue, structural collapse, damage assessment, as well as weapons of mass destruction preparedness. Each of these areas requires specialized expertise gained through extensive training in different scenarios as well as through knowledge of the tools and equipment required to sa... [ more ]  

Thursday, July 1, 2010  The fire chief and his deputies had just returned back to the station after attending a budget hearing meeting with the town council. The chief was very discouraged as he learned for the third year in a row that his request for funding to replace a twenty four year old pumper had been denied. While the chief thought that this year the department would finally receive council approval for the $450,000 dollar expenditure for the new engine he came away disheartened and upset with the budget app... [ more ]  

Monday, February 1, 2010  In the last installment of the Apparatus Architect we covered some of the considerations for the use of ground ladders on the fire ground together with some reasons why your department should carrying additional ground ladders on your ladder company units. Each year there are several stories which highlight the importance of good truck company operations and ground ladder use at the scene of seemingly routine fires. Carrying the proper ground ladders and equipment together with adequate train... [ more ]  

Friday, January 15, 2010  At the scene of a three story wood frame dwelling fire the engine company is making a push into the attic to cut off the fire extension into this area. For some unknown reason the attack line goes limp and the engine crew is without water. Due to the high heat conditions they back down to the second floor stairwell where they attempt to regroup, radio to the engine chauffer to call for water and prepare to make another push into the cockloft area. Over their portable radio they here numerous ... [ more ]  

Sunday, November 1, 2009  There are several dynamics that are changing the course of fire apparatus design during a period in time when we are “trying to do more with less”. First is the impact of our country’s economy and the resulting deployment strategies within the fire department. In some instances the result has been reduced staffing on engine and ladder company units, in other communities there are fewer companies responding on the initial alarm in an effort to reduce costs and the associated ... [ more ]  

Saturday, August 1, 2009  In this month’s issue of The Apparatus Architect, Lt. Mike Wilbur and Tom Shand discuss what the considerations should be reviewed before setting out to purchase an apparatus your department will utilize to respond to technical rescue incidents. The process of designing the apparatus is by no means an easy task . The time and effort that is needed to make the proper decisions for the needs of your department’s apparatus are very time consuming and costly. So too is the process of ... [ more ]