How do fire trucks fill their tank?

A 6-inch diameter, hard suction line is used to suck water out of the drop tank or other exterior water source. Water stored in the engine’s tank or sucked through an outside source is then discharged through water lines, or hoses. Driven by its own diesel engine, the impeller spins inside the pump at a high rate.

Do fire trucks have air compressors?

One of the critical reasons for a firehouse to have an air compressor is tire inflation. For the trucks in a fire fleet to be safe for the roads, each fire station should be equipped with a rotary screw compressor or a reciprocating compressor that can inflate tires as needed.

Why do firefighters keep their trucks so clean?

The reason that firefighters seem to wash their trucks so frequently is to provide longevity for the equipment, allow for damage and other issues to be more easily seen and therefore fixed, and as a way to show their professionalism and pride in their job.

Do fire trucks have air brakes?

Air brakes for heavy trucks, including fire apparatus, are a two-component system. The first component releases the parking brake and holds some reserve air to stop you if there is a leak. The parking brake on most trucks has springs in the air chambers on the rear axle or axles that apply the parking brakes.

Do fire trucks have water tanks?

Fire engines, or pumpers, carry hose, tools, and pump water. Key components of a fire engine include: Water tank (usually 500-750 gallons) Pump (approximately 1500 GPM)

Do fire trucks fill up at gas stations?

They have special gas stations all over the area that use “card lock” pumps – each vehicle has a fuel card, they fill up when necessary, and at the end of the month the department gets a printout stating the amount of fuel each vehicle was dispensed.

What is a SCBA cascade system?

The Districts SCBA cascade system consists of a in-station Bauer high-pressure compressor system and a mobile Sierra Precision system on Unit 5503. PREVENTATIVE MAINTAINENCE. Annual preventative maintenance is performed by Air & Gas Technologies, Inc on both systems.

Do firefighters sleep at the station?

Firefighters do (sometimes) sleep at the station or firehouse. Stations usually are equipped with sleeping quarters, but depending on how busy the firefighters are, they may not have time to sleep while on duty.

Why are fire trucks so shiny?

A question posted recently on Quora asked, “Why are U.S. fire trucks always so well-polished?” in reference to tax money being spent. We keep the trucks shiny in our department because they don’t belong to us, they belong to you. …

How long should it take for a truck to build air?

Air pressure build-up from 85 psi to 100 psi should take 45 seconds or less. While driving, observe the air pressure gauge during build-up to ensure proper air system operation.

How do I keep my truck air lines from freezing?

Putting alcohol into the air brake system is a common method that some use to prevent brake line freezing. Methyl alcohol vapor is typically introduced to the air system, and compressed air travels from the compressor to the air tank. The methyl alcohol will help to prevent freeze.

Does your fire department have a fire truck maintenance shop?

Most fire departments do not have a full-time fire truck maintenance shop and most fire apparatus repairs are sent to a qualified fire apparatus repair facility with EVT Technicians on staff.

What’s happening to volunteer firefighters?

The search for solutions as volunteer firefighter recruitment sputters and 911 calls soar. Every year an average of 10 volunteer firefighters quit the West Barnstable, Mass., Fire Department, about 27 percent of the department’s total.

How do I maintain my truck’s fire pump?

Your trucks fire pump should be maintained on a regular basis. The pump should be back flushed to clear out sand and debris that possibly entered the pump during operation at a hydrant or at draft.

Should volunteer fire departments save taxpayers more?

Maruca found that not only would that cost taxpayers more, it would also reduce the number of firefighters responding to each call. Nationwide, volunteer fire departments save municipalities, and taxpayers, $139.8 billion per year in firefighting costs, according to a 2014 report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).