When the Comox Fire Department (CFD) in British Columbia, Canada, started the process of speccing out a new engine for its response area, the department had a lofty goal in mind. The replacement for its 21-year-old engine would have to serve for the next 20 years, be more user-friendly, and provide for added firefighter safety while allowing for the rapid deployment of hoses and rescue equipment.
The process took about two years and involved the efforts of the CFD’s apparatus committee, which included two firefighters, an assistant chief, a captain, a lieutenant and the chief. “We incorporated many design changes from our previous vehicles, which were on commercial chassis,” CFD Chief Gord Schreiner says. The department chose HUB Fire Engines of Abbotsford, B.C., which had built all three of the CFD’s previous vehicles.
“HUB is the oldest fire truck manufacturer in Canada, and has been around for 125 years,” Schreiner says. “We were happy dealing with them in the past and they are only about a half-hour plane ride from us. This was especially helpful in visiting the factory several times during the build.”
Demanding Customers
Schreiner emphasizes that HUB met all the CFD’s specifications even though the department was demanding. “They really went out of their way giving us what we wanted, considering our budget restrictions,” he says. “During the build process, we visited the factory six times; other fire departments usually visit twice. Since it was only a day trip for our committee, we made multiple visits to talk over our ideas with HUB’s engineers. They were extremely helpful in working out our ideas and making them work for our vehicle.”
The new engine has twice the pumping capacity of the older engine and carries a great deal more equipment. It can also carry seven firefighters; the older engine was limited to five. “We break down our operations on the new engine as follows: One firefighter drives and operates the engine, while three teams of two firefighters operate hoselines or rescue equipment,” Schreiner says. The vehicle has seven pre-connected attack lines and three thermal imaging cameras. Two of the cameras were purchased with funds raised by firefighters around the community. The rescue tools were funded by the CFD’s local Lions Club.
New & Improved
By designing a dual-purpose rescue pumper, the CFD can accomplish more on the emergency scene with fewer vehicles–a trend Schreiner notes is spreading through fire departments across Canada and the United States.
The pumper also has a large Spartan Gladiator cab, better lighting, a remote-control deck gun, a hydraulic ladder rack and a Foam Pro single-concentrate foam system. The rear of the vehicle stores extrication rescue equipment, with a 100′ hydraulic line for operation. The vehicle also has an extended front bumper with added rescue capacity.
Some of the added safety features installed in the pumper are left, right and rear back-up cameras, LED ground lights, scene lights and a brow light. For emergency scene operations, the vehicle boasts tripod lights with demountable light heads. The officer’s side hydraulic ladder rack provides for easy firefighter access to the 14′, 24′ and 36′ ladders stored on the vehicle.
“We even changed our apparatus color from all white with red stripes to black over gray,” Schreiner says. “The emergency lighting package shows up even better than we thought, providing a safer environment all around.”
The Most for Its Money
The CFD received a lot for their budget when designing this custom vehicle. They worked hand-in-hand with HUB Fire Engines and its engineers to design a highly functional, safe vehicle. The department was able to combine resources by having this dual-purpose rescue engine respond with a bigger complement of firefighters, who are able to perform more tasks on the scene with added equipment.
The big concern in fire apparatus purchasing–after designing for firefighter safety, which should be your number-one goal–is to get the most for your money. When designing your next rig, work with the manufacturer’s engineers to make sure your specs are met and that you’re truly getting what you want. In these hard economic times, you may not be able to afford all of the bells and whistles. Design for functionality and don’t forget what the real purpose is.
Comox Fire Department
The CFD’s response area is roughly 25 square miles, with a population of about 25,000 residents. It’s surrounded by ocean on three sides and is primarily a bedroom community with light industrial establishments, but the downtown area comprises many million-dollar properties, as well as a Canadian Air Force base.
CFD’s New Rescue Pumper
Chassis
- Spartan Metro Star LFD chassis with 10″ raised roof
- 450-hp Cummins ISL diesel engine, 2010 emission-compliant
- Allison EVS3000 transmission
- Electronic stability control
- Bostrom seating for seven with six SecureAll SCBA brackets
- Weldon multiplexed electrical system with Dual Vista III displays
- OnScene Solutions Talon helmet brackets
- Kussmaul battery charger and auxiliary air compressor
- Custom EMS cabinet in cab
Body
- Custom double high-side aluminum rescue body with steel subframe
- Three ergonomic transverse preconnects through from L1 to R1
- Three rear recessed hose trays
- Zico Hydraulic Ladder Access System recessed into the body with blinder
- Amdor roll-up doors
- Storage for eight SCBA bottles, recessed into L3 compartment floor
- Zico flip-down hosebed access ladder
Pump & Plumbing
- 1,750-gpm Hale QMax200 pump
- FRC InControl pressure governor
- TFT Hurricane electric monitor with electric 18″ Extend-A-Gun
