firebuff88

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Posts posted by firebuff88

  4. Posted

    While the rundown shows many companies on scene, there is more to it than that.

    After looking at the numbers, it seems there were 3 Task Forces, 2 Light Force and the rest single engine companies.

    Lately, it seems that more ambulances are dispatched when there is a working fire. Most of the time, 1 or 2 will be dispatched as part of the initial assignment. I seem to recall that a EMS captain will be dispatched as well if 2 or more ambulances are dispatched.

    For the 2 USAR companies, only USAR 88 is manned with a crew of 2 (A/O and Captain I). USAR 27 is not manned but since they are closer, they station crew cross staffed it and brought it to the scene. From recent memory, it seems USAR 88 is being dispatched more often for the larger incidents.

    x635 and SageVigiles like this

  5. Posted

    A structure fire is equivalent a building fire. They can be classified into 2 categories:

    "A" Assignment - structure fire in a single family building. 2 engines, 1 truck and 1 BC are assigned.

    "B" Assignment - structure fire in a high density residential building or high hazard setting. 3 engines, 2 trucks, 1 BC are usually assigned.

    Greater Alarm - 6 or more companies assigned to an incident

    Major Emergency - 15 or more companies assigned to an incident

  6. Posted

    I like this comment:

    Rosenbauer has been in the US for several years now, and despite being a worldwide company, is just another sole-source apparatus builder in the USA.

    And they do use roll up compartment doors.

    Here's one of their latest deliveries, from Spartan ERV: http://www.spartanerv.com/delivery.aspx?id=50652

    I'm not sure what they mean by hose pump on the rear. Maybe they meant rear mounted pump?

    As for the Anaheim FD, they just got a new Pierce 75' Quint. Still a side mounted pump.

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/piercemfg/11193344814/in/photolist-

  8. Posted · Edited by firebuff88

    Barry:

    Sorry to disappoint your gotcha moment, but the two photos are worth two (2) words “ego preservation"

    We could play the Google photo shoot game all day, but you may want to try and check the dates on your photos and compare with my prior statement and the definition of the word “current”.

    Your photos appear to be several years old and not “current”, but if it makes you feel better about yourself.....you would have been correct about 5 or 6 years ago.

    Not so correct, today.

    Do I need to belabor this issue and post “current” photos too, or is it possible for you to ever be incorrect?

    Have a nice day.

    Those LAFD Pierces were bought in 1999/2000. Since then all subsequent engines do not have raised roofs.

    Same goes with Boston, engines delivered in the 2012/13 do have not have raised roofs either.

  9. Posted

    LAFD chose KME for a few reasons. The main reason low bid and like FDNY KME will build to LAFD specs. Seagrave would like the contract but complains how LAFD and FDNY are to picky with what they spec. Now for those who will say otherwise, this came from a sales rep at Seagrave in LA. As for the amount of KME's in service in the LA and surrounding areas. Its more in the neighborhood of 400. Remember, LaCo Fire has over 200 alone. The service center was opened after LaCo told KME, if you want to keep us you need to build a service center here with the amount of issues we have with your'e product. Also, a LaCo employee retired and went to work for KME. So the sales began. Even though LaCo is satisfied with KME they are still having issues with new deliveries. Such as.. rear ends dog leg to the right or left, wiring to name a few. But then again, i'm sure any builder will have the same issues. With the new NFPA requirements that includes much more electronics you are going to have new and comprehensive problems. Bottom line, as long as the rig performs and everyone goes home. As for Boston,Philly,LAFD, LaCo, Maui and FDNY low bid long waranty with a multi year contact for add ons. Or, a dept could be like Orlando FL and have the union have in its contract that the city will only purshase Sutphens. No bidding at all.

    That is very interesting info about Seagrave's in the LA area. If you notice, Seagrave lately tends to sell mostly repeat loyal customers (Burbank, Pasadena). Over time though, some loyal Seagrave customers have gone to different brands.

    As for LAFD, I'm sure they will keep buying KME for the forseeable future. Since Seagrave is picky, ALF/LTI going out of business and some prior issues with Pierce, the field has been narrowed.

    I'm not a big KME fan but as the saying goes, lowest responsible bid that meets the requirements will get the contract.

  11. Posted

    Call volume I have little doubt that these rigs will hold up. Their performance on the west coast has been quite good. The biggest problem is potholes and a*******. That's it. Potholes and a*******.

    Potholes... If the suspension and chassis can hold up to the jarring of NYC streets it'll be a big victory. Then there are a*******....The ones that cause the chauffeurs to have to constantly be on and off the gas and brakes. If the drivetrain can sustain the abuse (I realize that drivetrain is an independent component, but how it is fitted to the rig determines a good deal of its success) it will be an equal victory.

    Potholes and a*******... The Bain of FDNY apparatus for decades.

    Seriously we are adults here I think the word a.hole can be allowed in context.

    Don't forget the weather! Most of the KME around the West Coast (a large majority) won't see snow or drastic cold weather like the East Coast.

  17. Posted

     

    Much as my rig needs replacing.....I hope they take all the time necessary. The Ferrara order was disastrous. Believe the hype.....they are a nightmare. The cab is well laid out and the body is okay......but the endless stream of necessary repairs is mind blowing. They are junk, soup to nuts. There are issues related to both design flaws causing failures as well as issues stemming from poor workmanship.

     

    I read from different sites about the many issues you guys are having with the ladders. I recall hearing that the first batch was plagued with issues that were supposedly resolved in subsequent batches. I guess these issues are still appearing. There were reports of the Ferrara mechanics taking their time fixing things (true or not, based on what I've heard)

  19. Posted

     

    Yes, there is a valve.

    I'll answer your questions in the order you've got listed.

    1. The top three are flexible hard suction, for drafting. That's why they're stored higher up, in the less accessible position. The bottom, smaller length isn't really suction. We CALL it soft suction, but it isn't rigid. It's is our go to hydrant connection, at least here in the Bronx and the areas of Manhattan I'm familiar with. It's 10' long and is flexible and foldable. It's easy and quick for the engine chauffeur to hook up alone. Once the hydrant is open, that 4" diameter length will expand to maintain its shape regardless of how it's bent.

    2. During high pressure ops, the chauffeur will use either the officer side discharge or the rear, whichever is more conducive to stretching to the Siamese. Never on the panel side, there is no HP discharge there.

    3. This was answered, but again, it's just a meter showing the position of the valve. I find them to be useless. What does it matter what position the valve is in? You have the pressure gauge and the flow meter and the numbers they show are what determine whether you have to gate down or open up......or up the master on the pro-pressure governor.

     

    Thank you for the info! The FDNY Seagrave HP rigs are definitely one of a kind and very few departments have them. Not too many photos of them around (especially showing the pump panels from both sides and the rear of the truck).

  20. Posted

    Questions for the knowledgeable folks:

    -There are 4 sections of hard suction, what is the smaller diameter one use for?

    -When the HP pump is in use, does the chauffeur use the side or rear discharge?

    -What are oval gauge the underneath the circular gauges?

    Also not another lightbar question but, does anyone know why they went away from the Aerodynic lightbars? Wonder if it was cheaper to buy the same lightbars as NYPD.

    Thanks.