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Updated – Chicago Fire Engine Crash Injures Ten

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Four Firefighters Included in Injury Count

Update, 9:30 am Eastern:  Alcohol said to be determining factor.  Scroll down.

CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT ENGINE 62 was involved in a collision Tuesday evening around 6:23 pm that injured ten people including four firefighters.  The engine was responding to a medical call when it approached an intersection and slowed to look for traffic.  All cars in the intersection had stopped, so the pumper proceded into the intersection.  Without warning or reason, one of the stopped cars suddenly started forward and pulled into the path of the fire engine causing a destructive collision as the engine T-boned the right side of the car.

WSBT-TV image

The two adults and three children in the car were all trapped and had to be extricated.  They were all transported in serious condition.  A sixth passenger was only slightly injured.  The four firefighters were also transported in good to fair condition.

Police are investigating and still trying to find out why the 18-yr.-old driver suddenly started driving the car when he did.  The intersection is controlled by a 4-way stop sign.  Some witnesses say that the engine had its lights on, but they did not hear the siren.

WLS-TV prepared this video report from the scene:

 

Chicago Tribune has the STORY.
The Sun-Times has more plus photos HERE.

Update, 9:30 am Eastern:
The Chicago Tribune is now reporting that alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash.  The Tribune writes:

Authorities say they suspect alcohol played a role in the collision between a Chicago fire truck and a carload of people in the Far South Side that injured 10 people.

None of the victims — including three children and four Chicago firefighters — suffered life-threatening injuries when the truck, responding to a fire call, collided with a mid-size sedan at Halsted and 128th streets, police said. A female passenger did suffer a broken neck, authorities said.

One source said the sedan's driver, a man, had a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit. A second source said police were seeking felony charges against the driver. Both sources requested anonymity because they weren't cleared to discuss the matter publicly.

A police spokesman said he was awaiting further information and declined to comment.

 

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Posted by on February 1, 2012 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, rescue, Rescues, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , ,

Elderly Woman Dies in Fire Engine Collision

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Drove Into Fire Engine's Path

AN 80-YR.-OLD WOMAN WAS KILLED SATURDAY when her car was struck broadside by Denver, Colorado, Engine 22 as it was responding to a house fire.

KMGH-TV image

Witnesses all told police that same story, that the firetruck had the green light at the intersection and was traveling at a reduced speed when the woman drove through her red light and directly into the engine's path.  The engine's driver had no chance to avoid the collision and struck the car right at the driver's door.

KDVR-TV image

The fire engine pushed the car about 30 yards along the street and clipped two other cars along the way.  The firefighters immediately went to the aid of the woman who had to be extricated before they could begin CPR on her.  Unfortunately she arrived at the hospital DOA and was pronounced there.  None of the passengers in the other two cars were injured.

9News posted this video report from the scene:

 

KMGH-TV has the details HERE.

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Posted by on January 29, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, rescue, Rescues, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Do You Trust Your Firetruck? How Much?

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The Signs Say to Not Drive Into Flood Waters

CHRISTMAS DAY IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, THIS YEAR will be remembered mainly by the widespread flooding through the area.  And the people in the northeast suburb of Eltham will remember it as the day the firetruck drove into the flood waters.  Despite the signs and the S.O.P.'s to the contrary, this tanker driver for the Victoria Country Fire Authority misjudged the depth of the water.

 

The CFA officers were not amused and have opened an investigation into the performance of the driver who is one of the most experienced operators in the department.  The Herald Sun is reporting:

Research Fire Brigade Capt Neville Stewart, who was not driving the truck, said the incident happened so quickly. "We weren't expecting it and then we just had to keep going, we couldn't stop it," he said.

The CFA's northwest metropolitan region acting operations manager, Tony O'Day, said the driver was one of the most experienced in the brigade. "It's an error of judgment," Mr O'Day said. "Once they started driving through the water, they were committed and made a decision to keep driving rather than stop. It's certainly not standard behaviour. We don't encourage it."

The crew got itself in deep trouble when it misjudged a signpost and sized up the water incorrectly.

Mr O'Day said people were always told not to drive through floodwaters because of the dangers, and the firefighters should have known better. He said the crew regretted the decision. "They are fairly shaken," Mr O'Day said.

Firegeezer got a kick out of the windshield wipers continuing to operate while under water.  And as the tanker comes up out of the water, watch the captain open the cab door and let the water run out.
Thanks to the Gnome Handler for finding this gem.

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Posted by on December 30, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Response times, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , , , , ,

5 Injured in Buffalo Fire Engine Crash

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At An Intersection …. Again

BUFFALO, NEW YORK, ENGINE 1 WAS INVOLVED in a vehicle collision while responding to an emergency call Monday night.  The accident occurred at an intersection around 9:15 pm when a car traveling on the cross street ran into the engine which had its lights and siren activated.

WGRZ-TV

The crash left the four firefighters with minor injuries as well as the driver of the car which was severely crumpled in the front end.

WIVB-TV

The firefighters immediately began first aid procedures on the civilian before they were all transported.  One FF remained in the hospital overnight while the other three were released.  However they will not be returning to work right away.  The civilian also has non-life threatening injuries.

WIVB-TV prepared this video report from the scene:

 

The accident investigation is continuing this morning.  No cause or charges have been decided yet.

The Buffalo News has the STORY.

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Posted by on December 27, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , , , ,

Ambulance Crash Leaves Four Injured in Los Angeles

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At An Intersection…..Again

FOUR PEOPLE INCLUDING TWO FIREFIGHTERS were injured Monday morning when a Los Angeles, California, Fire Department ambulance collided with an automobile at an intersection in North Hollywood.

KCBS-TV

The ambulance was responding to a call for an ambulance from a fire unit at a medical scene when the accident occurred around 9:20 am.  News reports say that the LAFD spokesman reported that all four people were transported with minor and/or non-critical injuries.  The two civilians that were injured were in the car that was struck.  The ambulance was "non-drivable" and had to be towed away from the site.

LAPD Sgt. Mitzi Fierro said that the woman driving the car will be cited for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.  "They were driving down the street, got into the intersection, the lights and sirens were on, they started making their turn, and hit the lady," Fierro said.  "It was a really clear intersection, and she had an ample view of the approaching ambulance.  She just didn't yield."

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Posted by on December 26, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , ,

Recovery mishap creates a flurry of unfortunate puns and hours-long Indiana traffic jam

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Ice cream filled tractor trailer splits open during recovery

Around 4 pm Friday a tractor trailer tipped over when attempting to make an off-ramp near Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

The Journal/Gazette has the story and images:

MANDATORY CREDIT Photo: The Journal-Gazette, Michelle Davies / AP

Archie Ingersoll, writing in the December 23rd Journal Gazette article: Ice cream spill closes I-69 lanes at Lima, has the Michelle Davies video of the recovery efforts that lead to the failure of the trailer and spilling of the ice cream.

A member from the Health Department checks the condition of ice cream that spilled on Interstate 69, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Police said 40,000 pounds of ice cream spilled from a semitrailer closing two lanes of I-69 at the start of the holiday weekend.

MANDATORY CREDIT. Photo: The Journal-Gazette, Michelle Davies / AP

Check your Edy's for container "road rash" (!!)

Mental Floss provides "7 Strange Things Trucks Have Spilled"

I am torn between the 56 foot sperm whale that exploded during transport and the 200 ton marine engine that required construction of a road as part of the recovery.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on December 26, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, HazMat, News, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Million-Dollar Tiller Truck Stays Parked

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Plenty of Finger-Pointing Going On

FOR THE PAST NINE MONTHS, SINCE MARCH a brand new $1 million ladder truck has been parked in a Quebec City, Quebec, firehouse due to a squabble over training and licensing issues.  The new truck is a tiller truck and the first one Quebec has had in over 20 years, so the expertise in operating it has been lost over time.

The fire department sent one of their drivers down to the U. S. to receive enough training that he could come back and instruct the other drivers on the technique.  But then some bureaucrat in the city government proclaimed that since it is a tractor-trailer rig, then all the operators need to hold a Class 1 truck drivers license.  That immediately brought the issue into the realm of the firefighters union who said, in so many French words, Baloney!

The firefighters have no problem with training on the tiller, but to insist that they have to take and pass the commercial truck driver's test is unneccesary.  The Emergency Vehicle driving license that they currently hold is considered good enough for all emergency vehicles.

The view from the safest seat in the fire department.  (TVA Nouvelles)

Now the stalemate is on while the fire chief is telling the citizens that the truck will go into service in February, 11 months after taking delivery.  The firefighters say that's fine, as long as they don't have to pass a Provincial test to do it.

Stay tuned. 

TVA Nouvelles has the STORY.

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Posted by on December 22, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, training-fire-rescue-topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: ,

Ken Block at Play

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Ken Block at l'Autodrome

Shot just south of Paris, France in Linas at l'Autodrome de Linas –Montlhéry, this 1.58 mile oval track, built in 1924, features banks as steep as 51 degrees, which is more than double the standard incline of most NASCAR ovals.

Chosen by Ken for this specific reason, the ramp-like banking proved to be a unique and exciting challenge. The driving physics for the stunts performed were totally unknown until Ken attempted the maneuvers during filming.

DC Shoes website

Monster World Rally Team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Block (born November 21, 1967, in Long Beach, California), is a professional rally driver with the Monster World Rally Team. Block is also one of the co-founders and recently appointed Chief Brand Officer of DC Shoes.

Block has also competed in many action sports events including skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross.  Wikipedia link.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

thanks to Dave Statter for the link to the video, seen by 39 million viewers.

Posted by on December 20, 2011 • Filed under: cars, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pumper vs. Pickup Leaves 3 Injured in Texas

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At an intersection ….. again.

A CHANNELVIEW FIRE DEPARTMENT (Houston area) fire engine collided with a pickup truck at an intersection in Bayview, Texas, Saturday afternoon.  The engine was responding on an assist call to a working house fire when it was struck in the front right corner by a pickup truck in an intersection.

KHOU-TV image

The driver of the pickup along with a female and one child that were also in the cab were airlifted to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.  The three firefighters on the engine were uninjured, however the pumper had extensive damage to the front end.  The pickup truck appears to be totaled.

KHOU-TV filed this video report from the scene:

 

At the time of this posting there was no information yet on the cause of the accident.

Contributed by Firehat, Patrick Mahoney.

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Posted by on December 10, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Firetruck Crash With Fatality – Pennsylvania – Updated

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Updated reports - One Fatality

Update #1 -scroll down.
Update #2 – more details released.

A FIRETRUCK WAS INVOLVED in a collision with an automobile late Thursday afternoon in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

WGAL-TV

WGAL-TV is reporting:  The crash happened near Holly Pike/Route 34 and Old York Road/Highway 174. Traffic is affected and is being directed around the accident.  Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michelle Davis said the truck collided with a car, killing the driver of that car. No one in the firetruck was hurt.

There has not yet been disclosure on what fire department's vehicle was involved, or what type of unit it is.

Update #1, 5:30 pm Eastern:
The firetruck was responding to a vehicle fire and passing through an intersection around 4 pm Eastern where the wreck occurred.  The driver of the car was an elderly woman who was killed in the crash.

Update #2:
WGAL-TV is reporting:

State police believe a Ford Freestyle was traveling west on Route 174 approaching the intersection of Route 34. A Mount Holly Springs fire (engine) was traveling north on Route 34 responding to a call for a vehicle fire on Interstate 81. As the fire truck approached the intersection with lights and sirens activated it collided with the Ford, hitting the driver's side of the vehicle and killing the driver of that car.

The driver of the fire engine was transported with unspecified injuries.  Everyone was wearing seatbelts in both vehicles.

WGAL-TV filed this video report:

 

Hat tip:  Carmine S.

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Posted by on December 8, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , , ,

Can you hear me now? Roxbury pumper used a fire house siren powered by generator

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When you need to let them know you are on the way!

Tom Rinelli posted an interesting New Jersey rig in his “This ‘N That” blog post:

Roxbury Engine Co# 1, Succasunna (Morris County) NJ – Engine 13

1980 Hendrickson/Continental 1250 gpm/500 gal.

The first (and only) Continental brand apparatus I have ever photographed, this rig features a rear mounted LDH hose reel. Known as “The Pipe Line”, this rig is shown here making its’ last appearance at a wetdown prior to be replaced with a 2011 KME Predator.

A closer look reveals that the rig has a Federal Signal siren (the kind you’d typically find on a firehouse) mounted atop the cab – powered by the onboard generator, the siren was fully functional (and quite loud!!) throughout the wetdown.

Roxbury (NJ) Chemical Engine Company #1

You should check out Tom's UnyqueFireTrucks

This website is devoted to many aspects of firematic photography with a particular emphasis on unique fire trucks (hence the name) whether it’s a unique color, a “one-off job” or a rig with a storied past.

Anyone have a video or sound clip of Engine 13?

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on December 7, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Technology & Communications, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

From the Engineer’s Desk

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November Recalls

Daimler Trucks is recalling (NHTSA #11V-465) some 2006 – 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2, Cascadia, Century, Columbia, Coronado and Sterling A-Line vehicles built with Meritor Wabco electronic stability control system (ESC).

Under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation of the ESC system. This might cause the ESC to perceive an over steering situation and therefore apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable. If the driver is slow to react during this ESC intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel increasing the risk of a crash.

Daimler Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ESC module with the appropriate software version as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner notification will be mailed on or about Nov. 1, 2011. The date for availability of the final remedy is subject to validation testing and parts availability. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about March 30, 2012. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks at 800 547 0712.

 

Daimler is also recalling (11V478) certain 2004 through 2008 heavy trucks equipped with EPA04 model MBE 4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines and fuel filters mounted near the center of the engine on the left hand side.

The plastic low pressure fuel line between the engine mounted fuel filter and the engine block may develop a substantial fuel leak.

Daimler Trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by Detroit Diesel Corp. authorized repair facilities. Vehicles will be inspected and the plastic low pressure fuel line will be replaced with a steel low pressure line. This service will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Daimler at 800 547 0712.

Daimler is also recalling (11V-474) some 2011 and 2012 Business Class M2 and Coronado trucks equipped with Cummins ISX or ISL engines.

The V-band clamp assembly part numbers Q187684, Q187685 and Q187686, used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)/diesel particulate filter (DPF) include a T-bolt which can fracture when subjected to stress or load. A fracture or failure of the T-bolt may cause the clamp to loosen and the inlet or outlet sections attached to the DOC/DPF housing to disconnect. If the inlet or outlet sections disconnect, hot exhaust gases can vent prior to exiting the tailpipe, creating the risk of combustion and fire. If both clamps fail there is a risk in some applications that the DOC/DPF housing may detach completely, creating a road hazard.

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KME has an identical recall (11V-471) out for certain 2010 and 2011 Predator pumpers and 2011 5500 rescue trucks.

Both Daimler and KME are working with Cummins to identify and notify owners of the recall campaigns. Repairs will be performed by authorized Cummins dealers free of charge. Owners may contact Cummins at 812 377 5000, Daimler at 800 547 0712 or KME at 800 235 3928. Cummins recall campaign number is C1154.

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Wheeled Coach is recalling (11V-470) certain 2004 through 2010 Ford E-350 Type II diesel ambulances originally sold or registered in all New England states, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, D.C., West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri for a potential corrosion issue on the secondary battery terminal. As the secondary battery terminal corrodes, the Wheeled Coach accessory power cable is affected and the siren, warning lights and interior patient compartment lights could be intermittent or fail to operate.

Wheeled Coach will mail retrofit kits along with installation instructions to customers, or repairs can be performed by a service center free of charge. The recall began on Sept. 30, 2011. Owners may contact Wheeled Coach Customer Service at 800 628 8178.

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Cold weather is upon many of us. Remember the tips that I and many others have talked about in the past for preventing freeze ups. Mine can be reviewed HERE, HERE, and HERE, or by going to “Engineer’s Desk.” There are many others to be found in other publications and web sites.

That’s it for now. Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all. Stay safe….. Sam

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Posted by on December 5, 2011 • Filed under: Engineer's Desk, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , ,

Pickup Strikes Fire Truck – Driver Killed

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Watch Out at Those Accident Scenes!

AN PICKUP TRUCK SLAMMED INTO THE REAR of a ladder truck that was positioned at an accident scene near St. Louis, Missouri, early Thursday morning, killing the car's driver immediately.

KTVI

The truck had responded to a previous crash on I-70 near St. Peters when the car struck it shortly after midnight Thursday morning.  Police have not said if there were any other passengers in the auto.

KTVI

There were two firefighters who suffered minor injuries and there was apparently heavy damage to the rear of the ladder truck.

It is unknown why the pickup driver drove into the parked firetruck of if he even applied his brakes.

KTVI-TV Ch. 2 St. Louis provided this video report from the scene:

 

Hat tip:  B. Johnson

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Posted by on December 1, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: ,

From the Engineer’s Desk

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Navistar Emergency Vehicles Services Meeting

Navistar International has had an Emergency Services Vehicle Advisory Group for six or seven years now. It usually meets once a year. Bob Neitzel, Vocational Marketing Manager likes to tie the meeting date and place to a national fire service organization conference. For the last two years it has been before the start of International Association of Fire Chiefs Volunteer and Combination Officers Section in Clearwater Beach, Fla. The meeting was held on Nov. 9, 2011

One of the topics discussed was the Environmental Protection Agency’s diesel engine emissions standards.

Many people who post on Firehouse.com and other places are of the opinion that at some point, Navistar’s MaxxForce engines will have to be switched to Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in order to meet EPA 2010 NOx emissions standards. Right now they use enhanced cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). They are operating on credits gained from engines being under 2007 standards for some years.

Navistar says they do not have any plans to change. They state that some engines meet the 2010 standard already. The rest will soon. All engines can meet the standard now, but they would sacrifice fuel economy in order to do so. Navistar is not willing to make that tradeoff. They believe that with some additional tweaking they will be able to bring all engines into compliance long before they run out of credits.

They also point out that SCR engines convert the NOx into two byproducts: Nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Navistar believes that the next EPA standards will include reducing or eliminating CO2. MaxxForce engines aftertreatment does not produce any CO2 now.

Navistar also states that they do not have any problems with DPF plugging.

That's it for now.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving……. Sam

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Posted by on November 18, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Engineer's Desk, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: ,

Firetruck Crash in New Jersey Injures 5 FF’s

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Narrow Road, Wet Road

A BURLINGTON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, fire engine from the Lumberton Vol. Fire Company went off the road Wednesday night and wrecked, injuring five firefighters that were in the cab.

The truck was returning from a call around 7:30 pm and traveling along a narrow road in wet weather when it met an oncoming car.  As the engine driver eased over to pass the car, he went off the pavement and into a ditch while shearing the roof off of the pumper from tree limbs.

Pictured is Lumberton Engine 1311.  It has not been
confirmed if this unit, a 2004 KME, is the truck that
was in the accident.  (Lumberton FD website image)

The five FF's on board were all transported, but were soon released from medical care with only minor injuries.

The car that they passed continued on, but police say that the driver of the car is not considered to be at fault and they are not looking for him.

The Burlington County Times has the early REPORT.
Lumberton Fire Company No. 1 WEBSITE.

Hat tip:  Carmine S.

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Posted by on November 17, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , , ,

Rescue Truck Rollover in Germany

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While Responding to a Call

A HEAVY RESCUE TRUCK FROM the volunteer fire department in Treskow, Germany, was responding to a fire call Monday morning when the 42-yr.-old driver inexplicably lost control of the truck and left the road.  It dropped down a shallow embankment and rolled over.  The truck also carried another FF in the front seat and both of them were slightly injured and transported.

The 12-yr.-old truck that weighed 18 tons was so heavily damaged that it will probably need to be replaced.  The estimated loss is 250,000 Euros.  It took three hours to remove all the equipment and get the truck towed out of the field.

Feuerwehr News has the STORY.
Neuruppin Fire Department webpage for the rescue truck HERE.

Hat tip:  Christian Lewalter.

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Posted by on November 8, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: ,

Fire Department Tanker Destroyed in Single-Vehicle Wreck

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Driver Later Ticketed

A POTTERSVILLE FIRE COMPANY TANKER was destroyed Sunday when the Somerset County, New Jersey, truck overturned while responding to a brush fire.  The tanker was participating in a multi-company drill Sunday morning when a mutual aid request was directed to it for a brush fire in a nearby township.

PVFC website photo

The driver, Lewis Moore, 47, along with a 16-yr.-old volunteer member responded to the call.  The Courier News reports:

With the tanker’s overhead lights and siren activated, Moore said he was driving on Allen Road when he approached the intersection, ran a stop sign at a four-way stop and then "realized he was going too fast," the report indicated.

The tanker hit a bump in the roadway, causing the front end to become airborne, then started fishtailing out of control, ultimately tipping over onto the driver’s side in the opposite lane of travel, briefly rolling onto its roof and finally coming to a stop on the passenger’s side. A driver heading in the opposite direction at the time told authorities he managed to "narrowly drive around the truck" as it careened into his lane of travel, according to police.

Moore managed to radio a report of the accident to dispatch, and he and the juvenile passenger were transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital for treatment of multiple scrapes and lacerations to their arms, authorities said.

The police report says that roadway damage marks indicated the truck was traveling 44 mph in the 35 mph zone (presumably while going through the stop-sign …. ed.).  The police ticketed Moore for Careless Driving.  The tanker is wrecked "beyond repair" according to Fire Chief Thomas Anderson.  The two firefighters were treated for cuts and abrasions.

The Courier News has the full details HERE.
Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company WEBSITE.

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Posted by on November 8, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , , ,

Firetruck Collision in North Carolina

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At an Intersection

A GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, fire engine was involved in a collision shortly before noon Eastern today (Friday).  The Crowder's Mountain F & R engine 55 was returning from a call when it was struck on the right side by a passenger car.

Crowders Mountain F&R photo via FireNews.net

Police say that the engine was making a left turn when a car in the oncoming lane ran into it.  Two of the three firefighters had minor injuries and were transported.  Damage to the truck is estimated at $150,000.

FireNews.Net has more of the story and photos HERE.

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Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 4, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , ,

One Ambulance Crash Nets Two Drunk Drivers

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On-Scene Cop Reels 'em In

A GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, AMBULANCE was transporting a patient non-emergency late Wednesday night when a private vehicle ran a flashing red traffic signal and caused the ambulance driver to swerve to avoid a collision.  The Life EMS ambulance ended up crashing into a utility pole while the offending car, a Jeep, stopped at the scene.

WOOD-TV

While a police officer was investigating the accident, another car came breezing through the crash scene and nearly struck the police cruiser.  The officer detained that driver and arrested both of the auto drivers on drunk-driving charges.  The patient was uninjured and another unit from Life EMS completed the transfer.

WOOD-TV was on the scene and filed this video report:

 

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 4, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Black Ice Sends Truck Into Fire Engine

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Driver Had No Control on Ice Patch

A SUDDEN PLUNGE IN TEMPERATURE caused roads to ice up in New England early Friday morning, leading to dozens of highway accidents.  On I-93 in New Hampshire a multi-car accident brought a Manchester fire engine to the scene along with police units.  While they were working the incident a patch of black ice covered the roadway and another accident unfolded.

WMUR-TV reports this morning:

Police officers and firefighters were on the scene of an accident on Interstate 93 between exits 7 and 8, near the Wellington overpass, when a tractor-trailer was unable to stop and slid into a fire truck. Two police cruisers were also damaged. The driver of the tractor-trailer said he was only going about 25 mph when he saw flashing lights and the vehicle in front of him start to slide. That's when the driver said he hit the brakes.

"Once I applied the brakes the truck just started driving out of control and I couldn't stop. The whole entire highway is black ice and pretty much I ended up sliding into the fire truck because I cut the wheel left to try to avoid the accident," said Joshua, the driver of the tractor-trailer.

Officers on the scene of the accident said it was difficult to walk on the road, let alone drive.

 

A Manchester District Chief said there were so many accidents on the Interstate that at one point every unit in the FD, 11 pieces of apparatus, were on calls.

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Posted by on October 28, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged:

Firetruck Runs Over Bicyclist

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Bike Rider Makes Fatal Decision

A WINTER PARK, FLORIDA, FIRE ENGINE was drawn into a fatal accident Monday night when a bicyclist whose bike had no brakes tried to outrun the engine before it made a right turn.  According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 18-yr.-old cyclist, Cullen Detamore came alongside the fire engine on the curb side and pedalled along with it.  When the engine approached the entrance to a hospital ER where they were to pick up somebody, the driver put on his turn signal.  Detamore was unable to slow down with his lack of brakes and instead of ditching on the grass verge, he attempted to speed up and go past the truck.

When he saw that was going to fail, he then tried to turn into the same driveway but was going too fast to take the sharp turn.  The bike skidded over and Detamore went tumbling under the fire engine where its rear wheels then ran over him.

WKMG-TV

The fire crew immediately got him into the ER which was just a few feet away, but the doctors were unable to save him.  The FHP says that Detamore was at fault in the accident and the 51-yr.-old engine driver will not be charged.

WESH-TV Ch. 2 Orlando filed this video report from the scene that includes a good eyewitness account of the sad event:

 

The Orlando Sentinel has the STORY.
Winter Park Fire Rescue Department WEBSITE.

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Posted by on October 25, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , , ,

Firetruck and Ambulance Involved in 4-Vehicle Accident

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Happened At An Intersection – Where Else?

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI's EMERGENCY FLEET is a little smaller this week following an accident Saturday night that took a fire engine and an ambulance out of service.  The wreck involving two private automobiles as well, lead to ten people needing transportation to the hospital.

WLBT-TV

The chain-reaction accident began at 8 pm when an AMR ambulance that was responding to a call collided with a taxicab at an intersection.  A Jackson FD engine was caught up in the melee and ran into a private auto in the same crash zone.  The ambulance ended up on its side and the front of the fire engine had significant damage.  An unconfirmed report states that the ambulance and the fire engine were both responding to the same call.

WLBT-TV

Three firefighters, three AMR employees, and four civilians were transported with most of them kept overnight.

WLBT-TV filed this video report from the scene:

 

The Clarion Ledger has more details HERE.

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Posted by on October 24, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operation & Ambulances, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos

The Comfort of Consistent Mediocracy

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And the warmth of familiar procedures

Will Wyatt shares a story of an early morning engine company run that may ring true for some. He was driving a reserve pumper to an auto fire and left his glasses at the fire station.

Squinting at the pump panel, he could not read the worn labels. Picked the label with two words – figuring that was the "Attack Line."  The gurgling above his head and the scattering of spectators indicated that lever was for the "Master Stream" as the deck pipe started spraying the crowd.

All This And A Paycheck, Too!

Tedious Taurus

A decade ago I had a part-time gig that involved travel almost every month. My rental vehicle of choice was a Ford Taurus with NeverLost GPS.

I was still learning how to be a road warrior. Many of the posters on the FlyerTalk forum trashed the fleet-quality Taurus as bland and bragged that they added "no Taurus" to their rental preference profile. I thought that was silly.

Often my trips started with an evening flight, arriving at a nearly-closed airport and a late hotel check in. (2007: Holiday Travels With Fossilmedic)  The last thing I wanted to deal with was an unfamiliar car.

The 2000 – 2007 Taurus became a fleet favorite. Requesting a "full size" car with Neverlost usually delivered a Taurus.

An Ugly Night in Florida

A late night arrival in Florida produced a 2006 Chevy Impala with open trunk, key in the ignition and rental agreement on the hang-tag. Jumped in and started the 40 minute drive to the hotel.

Start looking for the trunk release when I get to the hotel. Not on floor, not on door, not in glovebook and no handle below dashboard.  Hmm …

Discover that the ignition key does not include a key fob for remote opening of door or trunk. In fact, the only keyhole is found on the driver's door. Talk about a stripped-down fleet car!

By now my bladder is screaming and cellphone is dead.  Might as well check-in.

Maybe read the owner's manual

Go back out to the Impala, unlock the one door that I can, and pull out the owner's manual.

From this view you can clearly see the trunk release switch, conveniently located just right of the light switch. A view obscured when I am looking at the dashboard while sitting in the driver's seat.

Now I had fresh underware for the next day.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Hey, how about buying a copy of Wyatt's book.

Go to

http://www.andapaychecktoo.com/

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Posted by on October 23, 2011 • Filed under: cars, Technology & Communications, Urban Commander, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Firetruck Crash Kills FF in France

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En Route to Training Academy

A FIREFIGHTER DRIVING A PUMPER to a training academy on Saturday morning was killed in a head-on crash.  Lieutenant Frederic Jacob, 41, was alone and driving the truck to the class when the fire engine crashed head-on with a tractor trailer on a 2-lane highway near the town of Verosvres.

Lt. Frederic Jacob

The horrific crash completely demolished the entire front end of the firetruck and killed Lt. Jacob immediately. 

Le Journal

The tractor cab of the transport truck was mostly demolished as well and the driver is in critical condition.

Le Journal

The police investigation is still continuing and there has been no announcement of what caused the collision.

Le Journal

Lt. Jacob was the commanding officer of the Gueugnon Fire Station and leaves a family of 2 children.

Creusot has the STORY.
Le Journal has a 20-image photo gallery HERE.

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Posted by on October 22, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Line of Duty, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , ,

Regeneration Filters Still Fouling the Firetrucks

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Your (un)friendly EPA at work

THE SUBJECT OF REGENERATION FILTERS for diesel engines continues to dominate firetruck maintenance divisions across the country.  A full 18 months ago we saw a forceful and informative letter in STATter911 HERE from a Florida fire chief who was pleading with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to waive the filter requirements for emergency services like they do for the military.

KGTV image

Since then, there have been many more calls for some relief from this onerous rule as firetrucks and ambulances are being suddenly shut down while on emergency calls and city shops are busting their budgets trying to maintain  the things.

Now the city of San Diego is going public too, and calling out their congressional delegation to do something as they have already had more than 350 breakdowns this year alone.  KGTV Ch. 10 ran this video report Monday:

 

While the calls for relief are mounting and our Congressmen are being peppered with complaints, the  EPA continues to ignore the impracticality of their scheme.  Firegeezer does not expect the EPA to alter their requirements, primarily because the current leaders of the agency have demonstrated that they are confirmed ideologues who are not concerned with the effects of their policies on municipalities.

We expect to be hearing even more of these sorts of stories as time goes by.

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Posted by on October 11, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , ,