Arundel's here - who else is lurking??

[Jim917]

Anyone out here from God's Country besides Arundel?

[Fire304]

Yarmouth, I wonder where Rescue101 and Resq14 are, also Mainers.

[Resq14]

i'm always lurking around here.

[Jim917]

Arundel, Yarmouth and .......

I thought Maine had over 450 departments? Is it Yarmouth that took delivery of a new CAFS pumper last year?

[Fire304]

One and the same, took a E-One/Saulbury Cyclone II rescue pumper and an E-One 95' tower in last year.

[Jim917]

Have you had much opportunity to use the CAFS on actual fires yet?

I had hoped to include it on our last purchase but the price tag was just too much.

[Fire304]

Only once, a large industrial barn that burned,went defensive quick, but we started with 2 handlines and the deck gun, acording to those there, it darkened down real quick. Someone had left a valve in the wrong position and we ran out of foam too quick (55gal's worth), and the building was too far gone so the chiefs killed the foam we just flowed water for the rest of the night.

The biggest problem with CAFS (after the price), you must train like crazy, both the attack teams and the engineers need to know what they are doing, if you use it like water, I've heard its actually less effective than water. Frankly, we don't train enough, and a few technical problems with the truck have created a frustrating situation, at the last fire we had (about 2 weeks ago) we only used water off the truck.

We've had problems with getting service on the truck, a few minor things which have nevr worked right, but over all we're very happy with the trucks.

[Resq14]

CAFS on that "barn"....

When we got there, the barn's heavy timbers were well-involved. There was a heavy fire load inside the building as well. I laid-in 600' or so of 5" knowing we had something.

It didn't help that:
A. Some people wanted to spray 1.75" lines on a fire well beyond the capability of 1.75"
B. The foam bypass valve was on "bypass"... and I wish it was only 55 gallons... in addition to the 50 on board, I dumped in at least another 30 up top before things started to add-up that something was not right.
C. Very limited water supply that hampered master stream operation.

If things were working correctly and we had a decent water supply, what I would have done:
A. Blitz attack with deck gun flowing CAF.
B. Once the water supply was established, add-in the blitzfire on a 2.5" (probably only Class A foam as the air supply would start to get tight).
C. Stretch another 2.5".

If this could have occurred, we could have made progress.





With CAFS, I actually find that the pump operator's job is easier. If you are looking to CAFS, be sure to spec your pump design around performance-based objectives. Find out how many steps it takes to get CAFS to a line. Insist on simplicity. It is entirely possible for the following to happen upon engaging your pump:
- Air compressor engages
- Throttles to preset PSI
- Foam automatically turns on to preset percentage
- Water/Air pressure is automatically balanced

Rather than "guesstimating" how wet/dry your foam will be by gating-back lines, spec the truck so the quality of foam can be controlled by a "wet/dry/" type switch.

[Jim917]

The foam bypass valve was on "bypass"... and I wish it was only 55 gallons... in addition to the 50 on board, I dumped in at least another 30 up top before things started to add-up that something was not right.

Not sure what you mean here. Does bypass flow the foam product straight through the pump without benefit of the injector or adding compressed air?

We could compare notes on E-One service. R&R Safety?

[Resq14]

The bypass valve: foam was just pouring out rather than being proportioned... so we went through an unbelievable amount of foam in a very short time. Not very swift. heh. I don't know why that valve was messed with, or at the very least, why it wasn't closed. It's certainly not something that is used when operating the pump, so I am unsure why it was open.



I didn't know R&R serviced vehicles...cuz when they come back, they're still broken.

:rolleyes: :D

*COUGHdetroit diesel engine commanderCOUGH*

A few weeks ago, our FoamPro unit was not functionning, our Amkus system had 2 leaks, the electronic siren was out of service, several underbody lights were still not working since delivery (along with about 10 other small things like this), and the DDEC wouldn't maintain a set pressure in "pressure" mode. Obviously, the DDEC not working is a little more important than a couple underbody lights. But still, it's the idea of things on the truck not working and not being fixed that annoys the hell out of me.

Now it's today.
The good:
FoamPro came out and provided EXCELLENT service, as usual. Our rep in this area is great.
The bad:
Our siren is still broken (for the second time... and it's a whelen, not a rare 3rd world county klaxon so parts shouldn't be hard to find), the Amkus system still has a leak in it, the blinkers decided to call it quits, and the DDEC still isn't working.
The annoying:
Oh, but those underbody lights are working just fine now. So now as I'm standing outside at night cursing, hey at least I can see my feet. :p

I still love her though... a great truck. I just wish she was in tip-top shape.

(My opinions here, not necessarily those of my department. Then again, they very well could be.)

[Jim917]

I didn't know R&R serviced vehicles...cuz when they come back, they're still broken.

I'll drop you a note offline to tell you about opur experience.

[Resq14]

Heh. Perhaps I should have listed my experiences in a non-public forum.

I figure that if they are truly concerned about getting things right for the customer, these types of things would not be an issue. Local service is a huge part of these purchases... Be careful. Don't downplay its significance.

[jfrd04]

I agree with your comments on E-One service we too have struggled with R&R. We have a 97 pumper and a 99 ladder. That is one of the reasons we went with a Peirce for our next puchase!! SERVICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!


:mad: :mad:

[Resq14]

Let's talk about intercoms on our HP95 aerial platform.

A switch has been broken for months, making it immpossible to communicate from the 3 intercom positions on the truck.

Not being a true "truckie," I really didn't see what the big deal was if the silly gizmo was broken...
...until I tried using it. I quickly realized it's anything but easy to operate that truck without being in contact with the other positions.

1 trip up north for service... out-of-service for a day... didn't fix it.

2nd trip up north for service... out-of-service for a day... couldn't fix it.

I am not impressed with this at all. Again, this is a standard intercom system used by most manufacturers. We didn't spec something special here.

And ALLEGEDLY (I'll say that because I wasn't there to witness this), they were unable to "find" the drain for the aerial's hydraulic fluid tank... so they simply cut hydraulic lines and then patched them back together. Apparently the drain was pointed out to them by our personnel when they picked up the truck...

:rolleyes: :mad: :rolleyes:

The DDEC on our rescue pumper is STILLLLLLLLLLLLL NOT WORKING. I mean, seriously, what is the issue here? I was told by reps from R&R that "we were not operating the truck correctly," and that they, "had no problems when they tested it."

Oh really? And I thought 2+ years with out Tower's DDEC and a year or so with our Engine's counted for something. And maybe if they were concerned about customer service, they would COME TO US and maybe ***HERE'S A NOVEL IDEA*** we could SHOW them the problem. This whole "we take our truck out of service, bring it to you, leave it, bring it home, and find out it's still not working" just doesn't cut it.

From what I've read here, and learned from people here, E-One's dealer and service rep in Maine has some SERIOUS issues it needs to rectify.

Don't get me wrong... E-One builds one hell of a ladder truck. Their Cyclone II chassis is great. And Saulsbury is second-to-none in their rescues. To all of the folks from Maine though, seriously evaluate the service you will get (or more correctly, the service you WON'T get) if you go with an E-One/Saulsbury/Bronto in this state.

[PFDEngine4]

Add another lurker from Portland.

www.portlandfire.com

[hvfdrgpemt]

Hey, just found you all. Im just a vollie up here in real gods country...Hancock amIne, just East of Ellsworth

Im trying to figure out all the quirks around here, pretty new to the whole .com thing.

I am the LT and the Training Officer of the department.

Check us out and let me know what you wll think

www.hancockvfd.com

[Fire304]

Originally posted by hvfdrgpemt
Check us out and let me know what you wll think

I think there is something wrong with my monitor, all your trucks look green, my hue must be off or something. :D

Looks better than what we got, eh 14? (web site that is ;) )

[Jim917]

For the first 40 years our trucks were yellow. I can only imagine the abuse you take with the green!

Welcome to the forums, Lt. Lots of good stuff to be found here.

[hvfdrgpemt]

Of course, how did I know that I'd get the wrath about my trucks....We have been dubbed "Team Yellow"...and yes, they are yellow....In fact, we just painted our old brush truck to match the fleet. Our Captain is quite the artist! We teamed up on it, stripped her down, and he did all the body work, and paint. Even through some FLAMES on the front. Looks sharp! Or should I say SHAHP.

I'm happy to be here, finally set it up for myself, and have not stopped checking it since. The info is awesome, and the crew seems really knowledgeable.

I am looking for info on the dreaded I.S.O. stuff. We have no Hydrants, No ladder truck, and quite a large area to cover.

Just got our Holmatro system in April, and we use it all the time. The photos on the web page are from a training we did in November...had to get the heaps out of the yard for the plow guy, Hahaha.

Any of you have any advice on the I.S.O.? I sent for the preliminary stuff for tanker shuttles and drafting, I've read the book by Larry Stevens, and in fact carry it with me everywhere. I'm at a loss sometimes with the older crew on the dept. They are stuck at times in the old days...HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!

Team Yellow Kicks It Baby!

Have an Airborne Day

Stay Safe, Stay Well, and above all else, STAY WARM...especially if your ice fishing!

HOOOO AHHHH:D :D :D

[hvfdrgpemt]

Ok all, let me ask you a question...
By now, you have all probably heard about our neighbors up here...the ones that had a little incident in the house...(Head east from where I'm from...trying to be discete here)

What advice would any of you have if this particular department was incapable? If they had no apparent idea of firefighting, the requirements of a water supply at a Structure Fire, Basic Firefighting Skills...

I'm really in a pickle here. I have been biting my tounge for too many years, and last week, I had to sit and listen to them loose another one.

My guys, and ladies, bust hump to train, and when we get a worker, we bust it again! We have had two awesome saves in the last few months, one of them was a 1978 mobile home...We killed it quick and kept it confined to the Kitchen.

What should I do? I've openned up my training sessions to them, and they don't come. We are working on the dreaded ISO rating and from what I understand, they are going to look at all the mutual aid towns we associate with.

Do I keep my mouth shut? Do I raise a stink? Anyone have any advice?

Thanks

[Jim917]

There's not much you can do outside your own department. You sound like you have a good grasp on what's required. Keep working within your own organization to improve yourselves. Make sure that you're inviting the rank and file from your neighboring dept. and not just telling the officers. Change has to be driven from within the organization, not imposed from without.

If you are not confident of their ability to function properly under your command as a mutual aid company, don't call them. If anyone asks, tell them why. There's no need to be derogatory "They can't pour water out of a boot". Keep it business like "They have not participated in any of the training events that we require and we are not prepared to use the fireground as a training environment".

Speaking the truth only hurts those who don't like the truth.

ISO is concerned with the water you bring, the water you can shuttle or pump, and the caliber of the people you invite. Don't invite anyone you don't want to be associated with.

[hvfdrgpemt]

Jim, true grace man. Thanks for the wisdom, It really is helpful. I'll talk with my rank and file and see how we want to handle this from our side of the bridge. You are right on when you say that the leadership is lacking. It is quite obvious.

Thanks again!

Keep it safe, and STAY WARM! IT's wicked cold out here bud!

bob

[CodyBaker]

add a lurker from Topsham/Scarborough

[hvfdrgpemt]

Hey there CodyBaker, greetings from Hancock, these guys are great, very helpful, great info!

[NickSBFD6]

South Berwick here....

I hadn't posted in these forums since Pre- 9-11. It seemed the only things on here were 9-11 related threads (info OVERLOAD!) and juniors comparing their lights... Oh well it seems to have come back around again. I hope to be in here more now. Lets get this Maine forum going!

-Nick

[Jim917]

Nick, what frequencies are being used by the Berwicks? I hear County dispatching No Berwick rescue on 154.995 but never have heard either Berwick Fire, No Berwick Fire or So Berwick Fire. Do they use 154.995 or some other freq?

[NickSBFD6]

Well, I'll try to make this as simple as possible...

It still confuses me and I work in South Berwick Dispatch part-time.

South Berwick Fire is Dispatched on Seacoast Fire, 154.190
All communications are carried out on South Berwick Police Primary 155.835

Berwick Fire is dispatched by South Berwick Dispatch as well, but they have their own private repeater system 155.555.

North Berwick Fire mainley operates on Seacoast Fire, but has now started to use the county high-band system 460.550. Rescue operates exclusivly on 460.550.

Now, all these departments run extensive automatic-repsonse agreements with eachother, so imagine the logistical nightmare!

-Nick

[Jim917]

Thanks Nick. The only traffic I ever hear on 154.19 is Portsmouth. They are SO LOUD that I just shut that off. Obviously I have missed anything else on that freq.

[GrovFire25]

Wells checking in!

[NickSBFD6]

Hey Wells, What's up?

[Mongoose772]

Bangor Station #6.

[GrovFire25]

Originally posted by NickSBFD6
Hey Wells, What's up?

Not much, you?
Been kinda slow here the last few weeks but plenty of tourists.