Used primarily to fight wildfire, aircraft generally refers to anything that flies, including helicopters. If the aircraft has fixed wings, then the term applies specifically. Various aircraft have been used over the years for firefighting. Though World War II and Korean War-era bombers were for a long time the mainstay of the aerial firefighting […]
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Command vehicles are sometimes referred to as “Battalion Sedans” when the commander holds the rank of “Battalion Chief.” The example shown is a Battalion Sedan (even though this is a truck chassis with a box mounted on the rear) from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Each Battalion Chief in the LAFD is responsible for
A quintuple combination pumper or “quint” is a fire apparatus that serves the dual purpose of an engine and a ladder truck. The name quint is derived from the Latin prefix quinque-, meaning five, and refers to the five functions that a quint provides: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders. A
Brush or wildland fire engines are typically smaller than Type 1 or structural fire engines and are primarily used for vegetation fires or wildland fires. They also respond to emergencies in rural areas where traditional engines cannot respond. Most wildland engines feature four-wheel drive capability and can thus climb hills and make it through
A Type 3 fire engine is what you’ll see if you live in a mountainous or rural community. These (typically) four-wheel drive apparatus are designed for rapid deployment, pick up, and relocation during wildfires. Technically, a Type 3 fire engine includes a pump operating at 120 gpm, a large 500 gal/tank, 1000 ft. 1
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A Type 1 (or Class A) fire engine is what you’ll most likely see if you live in a Metro community. Big cities rely on Type 1 fire apparatus based on flexibility, staffing, and the ability to operate at homes, apartments, businesses, and high rise buildings. Technically, a Type 1 fire engine is designed
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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
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Tractor/Dozer Company: A tractor trailer configuration designed for emergency or non-emergency transportation of department dozers, loaders and any oversized/overweight load. The most common use of this combination is at wildfires or to demolish buildings that are no longer safe due to fire, explosion, earthquake or other cause of instability to the structure.
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
The San Francisco Chronicle has developed a California fire map that allows people to see in near real-time where wildfires are burning in the state. Of some important interest, past wildfires also show up, so a good understanding of trends and conditions can be realized. Active fires can be selected,
The California Fire Prevention Organization has earned a FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant to support the organization’s focus on wildfire education, prevention, and awareness. The grant, which will run through the summer of 2023 will allow the organization to support a wide array of activities throughout the State –
There is a grim forecast for the State of California’s Drought situation. Although there was favorable rainfall in April (and some snow), that did little to alter the trajectory of sapped water supplies. This is the third year in a row when drought has created multiple challenges for the State.
The California Fire Prevention Organization is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) public benefit organization. We partner with cities, fire agencies and other non-profits throughout the State to deliver services and programs designed to bolster community resilience. Our wildfire, fire safety, earthquake, and first aid education, and training will save lives, and help to build a stronger California. We operate with grants and gifts, and do not take funds from a fire department’s general fund. Our highly trained members are first responders (EMS, FIRE, Etc.) and work diligently to support the communities in which we work.
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