Bucket trucks

[joemac356]

Something I've wondered about for some time, so I thought I'd throw it out here.

Why don't fire departments utilize bucket trucks? With the proliferation of them used by utility companies and telecom guys, there should be plenty of options available.

I would think they'd come in handy in urban areas, especially, where the close confines of buildings, trees, parked vehicles and whatnot would make it a useful alternative to the big rigs, Or at least an addition.

Thoughts?

[FIRE117]

Bucket Trucks

There is a place for bucket trucks in firefighting. It all depends on each FD's needs. Some communities probably could justify having one.

The problem with using utility or other bucket trucks, is that those pieces of equipment probably are not suited for fire service use. There is probably a NFPA Standard that is used for buckets trucks for the fire service.

Utility bucket trucks probably have certain standards to adhere to, but firefighting conditions would be harsher on them, than utility use (changing light bulbs on street lights, trimming trees, etc.).

Alot of consideration needs to be given to a bucket truck, when it comes to weight. Having firefighter(s) in the bucket, weight of a hoseline being used off that bucket, ice and snow buildup during cold weather operations, hoisting for rescue operations and many other factors have to be looked at.

Essentially, a used utility buckets may not be suitable for firefighting. I know of one city FD that comandeered their power department's bucket truck during a large structure fire. They used the bucket to direct a hoseline off it, to reach the fire. By doing this, the bucket truck was wrecked and that city had to scrap that truck.

If you want to do some research on fire service bucket trucks, look at the websites of fire apparatus manufacturers. There may be some that manufacture bucket trucks specifically for the fire service.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

The only use for a utility bucket truck for the fire service is for fire alarm wire work.

[FWDbuff]

Something I've wondered about for some time, so I thought I'd throw it out here.

Why don't fire departments utilize bucket trucks? With the proliferation of them used by utility companies and telecom guys, there should be plenty of options available.

I would think they'd come in handy in urban areas, especially, where the close confines of buildings, trees, parked vehicles and whatnot would make it a useful alternative to the big rigs, Or at least an addition.

Thoughts?

1. The original "Snorkel" was developed by the Chicago Fire Department under Fire Commissioner Robert Quinn in 1957-1958. The first use of one of the "Snorkels" was at the infamous "Our Lady of Angels" Fire on Dec 1, 1958. He saw city workers using "cherry pickers" and had one adapted for FD use. After a test period, several more were purchased. The original "Snorkel" has been fully restored and is now a part of the Figge Corporation/American Lafrance historical museum collection.

2. Several were built for the CFD, however it was soon discovered that under continual use in severe conditions, that they were not heavy enough, especially for aerial water delivery and rescue purposes- adding additional weight beyond one person overloaded them. Same goes for modern ones as well.

[TNFF319]

Behold the E-One bronto http://www.e-one.com/products/main-line/aerial/bronto

[fyrmnk]

Behold the E-One bronto http://www.e-one.com/products/main-line/aerial/bronto

Behold the most worthless and problematic truck I've ever had the displeasure of working on.

[lilwill]

Funny, the Bronto pic showing the suits operating the aerial...neither one has fall protection harness.

[JTFIRE80]

The only use for a utility bucket truck for the fire service is for fire alarm wire work.

http://www.borough.emmaus.pa.us/Fire...s-Borough.html

Emmaus, PA, just outside Allentown, still has a bucket truck used specifically for that reason.

[FWDbuff]

http://www.borough.emmaus.pa.us/Fire...s-Borough.html

Emmaus, PA, just outside Allentown, still has a bucket truck used specifically for that reason.

SHHHHHHHHH! you of all people better be careful talking about buckets.....

[FWDbuff]

Behold the most worthless and problematic truck I've ever had the displeasure of working on.

Second only to it's elderly relative, "The Calavar Firebird."

Just ask the Philadelphia Fire Department about the problems they had with theirs....LOL

[tree68]

While the articulated platform (Snorkel) may not have proved to be the be-all-and-end-all, I'd certainly argue that it helped lead to the development of today's towers. And that's not a bad thing.

[JTFIRE80]

SHHHHHHHHH! you of all people better be careful talking about buckets.....

I was not involved with that one bit! On a note, 11 years driving apparatus, and I've had 2 incidents...both of which were backing up, and I had a backup man both times who led me right into the objects!!!

[CaptOldTimer]

I was not involved with that one bit! On a note, 11 years driving apparatus, and I've had 2 incidents...both of which were backing up, and I had a backup man both times who led me right into the objects!!!

You had a bad spotter bud. I'd would have kicked his tail after the second time.

[downstate_firefighter]

I've twice been on scenes where bucket were comandeered for fire suppression.

I once rode in a twin bucket with another FF in order to access some soffit and fascia in an area where raising an appropriate ladder would have been extremely problematic.

The second time I saw a Genie lift put into service at a rural (very rural) structure fire when the closest aerial unit was out of commission and the next closest was 40-50 miles away.

[hwoods]

Well...........

The biggest difference between a Utility Bucket Truck and a Firefighting Bucket Truck is about $600,00.00..............