Posted on July 21, 2010

As part of their weekly training class the members of Alert Fire Co. worked on victim removal techniques while aerial operator requalification continued.  The removal of a victim from any portion of an elevated structure can be a manpower intensive operation requiring teamwork and coordination.  Members practiced removals through windows by ground ladder and also elevated removals via aerial ladder.

While the main lesson for the evening’s class was on victim removals there were other opportunities for members to practice other fireground skills.  The use of ground ladders is shown in the photos with the foreground ladder positioned at the sill for entry / egress and victim removal.  The ladder in the background is positioned for ventilation of the window as it places the firefighter above the level of falling glass and debris.  After completing aerial requalification for the existing apparatus operators training continued as trainees received orientation on operation and deployment of the aerial ladder.

The aerial apparatus shown in the photographs is the 1976 American LaFrance which is the department’s second aerial.  The primary aerial ladder is undergoing preventative maintenance and recall work which illustrates the value of having a second aerial apparatus in the department fleet.  While having two aerial apparatus increases the department’s overall capability and versatility it helps ensure that at least one aerial is available to respond to emergencies at all times.

 

 

Posted on July 14, 2010

In accordance with the new department Best Practices Guide, Alert Fire Co. drilled on Sunday morning to requalify its aerial apparatus operators.  Each apparatus operator is required to complete and annual recertification to demonstrate proficiency on the equipment.  Proficiency with the departments’ aerial apparatus goes far beyond just being able to safely drive across borough streets.  The proper deployment of the aerial apparatus involves the ability to properly position the apparatus with respect to overhead obstructions such as trees, wires, and signs along with building setback / position and being able to safely operate the truck’s stabilizers and aerial device.  The requalification process helps ensure that our members remain proficient and able to perform under a variety of emergency conditions.

As you can see in the photographs long before the aerial ladder is raised the truck must be properly positioned and stabilized to prevent ladder failure or toppling.  The aerial operator must block the front wheels to prevent rolling on inclines before beginning the process to deploy the stabilizing jacks or outriggers.  These stabilizers are designed to enhance the vehicle’s stability as the ladder is raised which naturally changes its center of gravity.  In addition to increasing the width of the vehicle base they also are used to compensate for uneven road surfaces.  It is of paramount importance that the base of the aerial ladder (known as the turntable) be set level.  While it may look as if the ladder truck is uneven with one set of tires on the ground and another in the air as shown in the photos this is sometimes necessary to ensure the turntable is level before operating the ladder.  The aerial operator uses bubble levels (inclinometers) mounted on the truck to properly adjust the stabilizer jacks.

As shown in the photos when the stabilizer jacks are fully set the effective width of the ladder truck is much larger than its travel width when you may see it driving down the street.  It takes just over 16 feet of clear space to fully and properly set the stabilizer jacks to safely operate the ladder truck.  Depending on site conditions and vehicle parking this can be a tight fit for the aerial operator when responding to a fire emergency.  To facilitate apparatus access and safe ladder deployment the Fire Department has designated areas in parking lots and around buildings as fire zones or fire lanes.  These areas are crucial to the safe deployment of fire apparatus for extinguishment and rescue.  We ask that you always abide by restrictions against parking in areas designated as fire zones or fire lanes.  These spaces are truly necessary to ensure safe and effective operation of fire apparatus, including the large aerial trucks, when responding to fires and other emergencies.

Posted on August 12, 2010

As part of its weekly training class the members of Alert Fire Co. drilled on their setup for a mass decontamination event.  The aerial ladder is quickly deployable as an emergency shower tunnel.  As shown in the photos the ladder becomes a frame for tarps and a nozzle that people could be channeled through with efficiency and privacy.  The Bergenfield Fire Dept. participates in the mutual aid system for mass decontamination with other adjacent communities.  Each agency supplies one piece of apparatus to the location of the chemical or biological emergency and when assembled these apparatus create the entire mass decontamination assembly line.  They key to the program is rapidly deployable resources and as shown in the photos the concept appears complex but is a rather simplified yet completely effective effort.  Using low pressure fog nozzles the tunnel can handle an endless stream of people and washing agents or detergents can be injected through our conventional foam applicators.

This evolution is another example of the diverse capabilities of the Bergenfield Fire Department that are kept sharply honed by our regular training exercises.  We proudly stand ready to serve our community.

A special thanks to our members who ‘volunteered’ to be washed down for the web photos.

Posted on September 12, 2011

September 24, 2011 Ridgefield FD Co. No.1 is having a wetdown for their new combination ladder/engine.  The event will be held at Ridgefield Community Center located at 725 Slocum Avenue.