djones@calfireprevention.org

  In places where a water supply may be questionable, fire departments will utilize a water tender. This is an example of a rural department’s water tender working a small grass fire. Some tenders hold as much as 3,000 gallons of water and are quite similar to the tenders you may see at a construction […]

  US&R – this rig is commonly called a U-SAR which is short for Urban Search and Rescue. Think of it as a giant toolbox for rescue purposes. These apparatus are critical assets during an earthquake, a train or aircraft accident, or in any situation where people may be trapped. Common uses are for rescue

Fireboats are an essential component of any fire agency that operates near any body of water. The Los Angeles Fire Department operates five fire boats. LAFD Fireboat #2 – the Warner L. Lawrence. Named for one of the department’s most innovative officers, Fireboat #2 is one of the largest and most technologically advanced fireboats in

Rehabilitation Air Tender: during major emergencies, firefighters will need to replace their air bottles (used to breath), not to mention resting between heavy periods of exposure to fire, heat and smoke. These apparatus, affectionately called “RATS,” are used at dangerous and significant incidents. In addition to carrying air bottles, this apparatus is designed to help

Air Operations Helicopter Tender: This apparatus responds to locations where helicopters will be used. They carry from 580 to 2000 gallons of jet fuel. Equipment may include: portable pumps and reservoirs (1,000 gallon capacity), stokes litter baskets, cargo slings and hooks, assorted fittings, a portable generator to assist in starting the aircraft, two sets of

Helicopters are a critical component when effecting a rescue, or when fighting a wildfire. The helicopter shown is a Bell 412, one of the more common in larger geographic areas where wildfire and rescues are both priorities. The Bell 412 has a storied past, and is used by a number of large fire departments. It

The Heavy Rescue – the LAFD operates this specialized tow-truck as a “Heavy Rescue” out of Fire Station 56 in the LA community of Silverlake. This mammoth apparatus is useful in a wide variety of situations, including but not limited to righting overturned big rigs, pulling crushed vehicles apart, and lifting heavy objects. One of

HazMat (Hazardous Materials) – in the event of a chemical or dangerous toxin emergencies, or a bomb threat, a specialized vehicle, typically called a Haz Mat – or hazardous materials apparatus will be put into use. Today, even smaller departments operate haz mat rigs – although some cities utilize their police departments for this function.

Gator ATV & Paramedic Team: The “Gator” Team consists of two Paramedics operating a six-wheeled All Terrain Vehicle. The “Gator” is outfitted with Advanced Life Support tools, a stretcher, and other necessary equipment. The size and configuration of the Bicycle Paramedic Teams and the “Gator” teams provided paramedics the opportunity to navigate crowds, circumvent traffic,