Fire Service Apparatus, Equipment & Terminology

Apparatus Any vehicle that serves a specific function, other than just transportation of people, is called apparatus. Examples of these functions are; Transport ladders and equipment Pump water Other specialized tasks

Apparatus…cont’d Following are a list of some of the more common fire apparatus. Some may be know by other names, depending on local custom, or may not be used by your local department. Contrary to popular belief, an engine is not a “fire truck”. A “truck” is a completely different piece of apparatus.

PUMPERS / Engines

Pumpers / Engines Most recognized Fire Service apparatus Designed for fire attack Self-contained, self-propelled water pump Primary function is to provided pressurized water Can carry as much as 2775 litres of water, pumping up to 7000 litres per minute Must be connected to a hydrant for sustained operation Also carry ground ladders, hoses and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) Must have a minimum of four Firefighters to operate (Officer, Driver/Pump operator, Nozzle, Hydrant)

LADDER TRUCKS Can also be known as an AERIAL, PLATFORM, TOWER or BUCKET depending on its primary design.

LADDER TRUCKS Also known as a Quint - can perform five major functions of fire apparatus (carry hose, ground ladders, carry water, pump water and perform aerial ladder and tower operations) Typically are somewhat smaller than a full Aerial Truck and are therefore more suited to Urban settings

AERIAL PLATFORM TRUCK

AERIAL PLATFORMS An hydraulically operated platform that is typically pre- piped to provide an elevated nozzle stream Can be used as an elevated observation position Can be used for some rescue operations Has outriggers to provide stability

SNORKEL TRUCK SNORKEL Operations

BRUSH TRUCKS Used for “off-road” operations 4 wheel drive vehicle Small water carrying capacity can apply water while moving Wildland or grass fire operations

SQUADS An apparatus having special tools and equipment which may not be carried on all apparatus Can include, salvage covers (tarps), spare SCBA, air cylinders, extrication equipment Moving “tool box”

TANKERS

TANKERS / TENDERS Also sometimes referred to as TENDERS Carry large volumes of water to a fire scene to re-supply Pumpers or conduct forest firefighting operations Typically carry as much as 4,500 litres or more of water Tankers are sometimes helicopters or fixed wing aircraft Tanker Truck Operations

RESCUE UNITS Typically carry forcible entry, extrication, heavy rescue equipment and ventilation equipment Crew primary function is Rescue and not suppression

HAZMAT APPARATUS

HAZMAT Primary function is the identification and containment of hazardous material incidents Typically carry high-tech computer equipment, communications links, protective suits, decontamination equipment, lighting, etc HAZMAT units vary greatly depending on the size of the department and the industrial hazards located in the service area

AIR CRASH RESCUE APPARATUS

AIR CRASH RESCUE Typically located at airports and are used for aircraft emergency incidents Carry water, foam and dry chemical agents which are distributed through turrets and nozzles mounted on the vehicle Apparatus may be restricted to airport tarmacs Sometimes referred to as Crash-Fire-Rescue trucks Vehicle allows the operator to distribute extinguishing materials without going outside of the vehicle Toronto Pearson Airport Operations

FIRE BOATS

Chicago Fire Boat Fire Departments in some cities that have large bordering bodies of water (oceans, lakes, rivers) maintain Fire Boats. contain pumps, turrets and other suppression equipment commonly used where buildings are located at the water’s edge or where heavy marine traffic exists have unlimited water supply for firefighting operations some Fire Boat crews are staffed with PCPs or ACPs

COMMAND UNITS

Emergency situations often create a need for a communications centre to be located closer to the scene. In these situations mobile command units are used. Serves as a hub for communications with no dependence on the department’s fixed Communications Centre, although close coordination between the Command Post and Communications Centre is typical Allows for immediate access to the latest information and provides an efficient means to coordinate resources Can also provide for coordination between Police and EMS as well as other supporting agencies such as Hydro, Gas, etc Some Fire Departments utilize Fire Communicators to work in their mobile Command Posts

SENIOR OFFICER VEHICLES Senior Officers in the Suppression Division (Platoon Chiefs and District Chiefs) typically drive vehicles generally classified as passenger vehicles. The Senior Officer, may or may not, have a designated driver based on department policy and/or staffing levels.

SUPPORT DIVISION VEHICLES The Support Divisions (Fire Prevention, Mechanical, Training, etc) are also typically assigned vehicles. These are not classified as emergency response vehicles.

FIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND TERMINOLOGY

FIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT TERMINOLOGY Equipment refers to the tools and devices used at a scene to assist operations There is a vast amount of equipment used in the Fire service Fire Communicators must be familiar with the various terms in order to assist with requests for various pieces of equipment from field responders Toronto Fire Service – A Day in the Life

FIRE HOSE Comes in various sizes ranging from 38 mm in diameter up to 125 mm and contain water pressure up to 1133 kg per square mm Firefighters also sometime use booster lines for fighting smaller fires or deck-guns or master- steams for fighting larger fires Fire Department Connections or Standpipes are typically available for sprinkler equipped buildings

THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS (TIC) Firefighters often use TICs to find “hot spots” or hidden fire after a fire is under control.

HYDRANTS Piller type hydrant we’re familiar with was patented in the USA in 1869 Hydrants are located in most urban, suburban and some rural areas Provide a means for Firefighters to have an uninterrupted supply of water for firefighting operations Can also be used to refill Tanker Trucks

STATIC WATER SUPPLIES Often in rural areas, fire departments pre-designate fill sites in their jurisdiction where a dry hydrant is permanently installed at a water source such as a lake, river or stream allowing for water to be drawn from the water source as may be required for firefighting operations. As an option, Tanker Trucks have the ability to draft water right out of a natural water source which requires minimal setup of equipment. The drafting system allows for water to be pumped and strained for sand and debris before entering the tank of the fire apparatus. Tanker Drafting Operations

Operational Terminology The Fire Service has a language all its own. Fire Communicators must be familiar with the terminology they will hear from Firefighters and understand what is happening on the scene, as well as facilitate the management of dispatch radio traffic. Examples: Limited Service (non-functioning equipment) Out of Service (vehicle breakdown/training) Move Up / Relocate (area coverage)

Operational Terminology … cont’d Examples: Limited Service Out of Service Move Up / Relocate Initial size-up Nothing showing Smoke visible Flames visible Fully involved Laying lines Charged line Knock down

Operational Terminology … more yet Backdraft /Flashover Engulfed Extension Interior attack Exterior attack Salvage Overhaul Rekindle Body recovery

SUMMARY The Fire Service responds to a myriad of emergencies and most require specialized apparatus and equipment. The Fire Communicator must have a general understanding of the language, apparatus and equipment used within the Fire Service in order to effectively perform their duties. Toronto Fire Service Firefighter’s MAYDAY January 3 rd, 2011 (duration 21 minutes – 13 minute mark)