News

Choosing the Best Lighting Options for Your Fire Apparatus

Before most departments even start talking with an apparatus manufacturer or budgeting their new truck, there are often several features and specifications that are considered “must-haves” for the new rig. Rural departments interested in buying a new Tanker, for example, might know that a 3,500-gallon tank is the minimum required size to meet their operating needs for their area.

That being said, when it comes to the different lighting options for today’s apparatus, many departments are happy to just settle for whatever meets the NFPA 1901 minimum without exploring other options. This is because it can be difficult to understand all the capacities and options available, as well as understanding the NFPA standard.

6 Things to Keep in Mind When Specifying Your Next Rural Apparatus

While there are many notable differences between urban and rural fire departments, one of the most significant is the resources required. Take the availability of fire hydrants, for example. When a department is responding in rural environments outside the support area of hydrants, their tactics change drastically without having a reliable water source.

Fire Apparatus Front Bumper Configurations — Ideas and Options

With today’s fire departments looking for more storage space on their apparatus, front bumper extensions are becoming common on all apparatus types. Whether it’s a Rescue, a Pumper, a Rescue Pumper, or even an Aerial, front bumpers can be mounted on just about any apparatus these days, and they do much more than simply provide a place for your siren.

7 Technology Upgrades That Improve Fire Apparatus Operations and Outdated Practices

Let’s face it: technology is evolving fast and changing the ways we operate in almost every facet of our life.

New technologies are drastically changing the way firefighters approach emergencies and design their fire apparatus, with many of these changes helping firefighters save more lives and work more efficiently. That being said, with any change comes apprehension and uncertainty, and the fire service has certainly built a reputation for being “traditional.” It’s not always easy to convince a veteran firefighter of new methods, but it’s much easier after careful consideration and discussion as to how it truly enhances the operation of your apparatus.

9 Questions Your Apparatus Purchasing Committee Needs to Answer Before Starting the Specification Process

If there’s one thing we know about the apparatus purchasing process, it’s this: no decisions are made without careful deliberation. From the start of the budgeting process all the way down to the final inspection, every single aspect of the new truck has to be given extra thought. When you spend more than $300,000 on something you plan on using for the next 15+ years, you can’t afford to make any mistakes – especially when your community depends it.

Apparatus Technologies Help Departments Do More With Less

Today, almost without exception, fire stations across the country are being asked to “do more with less” as a way to control expenses. Many departments have had to reduce their staff size and apparatus fleet, which leaves the rest of the department to take on more responsibility each time they answer a call. Consequently, departments have to be very careful about how they strategize their response plans and specify any new apparatus purchases.