How to Find The Right Aerial Fire Engine for A City Fire

To support the needs of the city community and, where applicable, to support mutual assistance in neighboring cities, Fire Department Procurement Representatives have a number of equipment options to consider. Before that you need:

1. Understand the challenges of urban fire protection

Every community has a unique set of fire challenges to manage, and city fire departments often face some similar situations, including:

The prevalence of high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings means that firefighters must be equipped with the right type of truck and equipment to handle these unique fire scenarios. Although high-rise fires are uncommon, they are labor-intensive events that require special tactics, tools, and knowledge.

High population densities and the mix of residential and commercial properties in the same area present serious logistical, administrative and security threats.

The size and complexity of interior spaces in urban environments is very different from other types of communities and can present significant firefighting challenges.

The enclosed nature of hazardous areas is more prevalent in urban environments, where access to fire zones is often limited and sometimes difficult.

2. Establish fire truck purchase criteria

Setting out to buy new firefighting equipment is certainly not an easy task. From understanding the fire truck buying process to investigating syndicates and other financing opportunities, fire department representatives must go through many complex steps.

Establishing fire truck buying criteria is a critical step that should be done early in the buying process. Start by understanding the truck's mission:

What types of calls will the first out truck respond to? What type of equipment does the truck need? Why might additional support be needed (eg: running a foam system)?

Once the mission of the truck is understood, it is necessary to identify the type of truck that will support critical needs. Need a tiller in narrow streets, cul-de-sacs and traffic jams? Would a smaller aerial fire truck suffice?

3. Completion of city assessment and infrastructure review

In addition to understanding the types of calls a new fire truck is likely to serve, it is also important to consider the geographic and infrastructure makeup of the service area. Completing the city assessment and infrastructure review is a good place to start.

Take the time to drive around your neighborhood from a different perspective—assess the overall geographic terrain and look for height constraints, including overpasses, railroad bridges, power lines, overhead obstacles, and large trees.

When you investigate a fire truck service area, be sure to assess the existing infrastructure and buildings in detail.

4. Determine the needs of the floor elevator

Take the time to inspect the infrastructure of your fire department service area to understand the desired truck features and avoid any surprises in the buying process.

5. Complete a fire department assessment

Take the time to drive around your neighborhood from a different perspective—assess the overall geographic terrain and look for height constraints, including overpasses, railroad bridges, power lines, overhead obstacles, and large trees. When you investigate a fire truck service area, be sure to assess the existing infrastructure and buildings in detail.