Morning Lineup – October 12

The last day of the long weekend.  Schools are closed, but most people have to work anyway, which creates some out-of-the-ordinary traffic flow around town.  Something to keep in mind when you’re called to respond.  I always taught that size-up begins before the alarm comes in and continues until it’s time to head back to quarters.  And being aware of current traffic conditions is an important and fluid consideration.  And of course, probable occupancy conditions are non-routine today.  I think many of the New England towns have parades today, too.  So let’s make sure that we review whatever obstacles we can expect today.

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The little township of Spudville, Massachusetts, has come up with a novel way to compensate during this economic downturn.  It seems that the Spudville VFD is without a ladder truck because their 1962 Pirsh 65-ft. aerial can’t get it up anymore.  But since the Town Selectmen continually refuse to set aside money for truck replacement, they are unable to buy one, leaving the community at risk beyond 2nd-story level.

So they have saved money by simply changing the town’s ordinances.  Instead of trying to get the firefighters up to where the fire is, they are mandating that property owners bring the fire down to where the firefighters are.  It seems to be working pretty well.

Thanks to Nate A. for sending along this informative news item and photo.

Ok, we’d better get this equipment checked out now.  I definitely have to get some more coffee started.

Posted by firegeezer on October 12, 2009.

Categories: morning lineup