

On an initial report of a fire there is an automatic dispatch of three fire engines, one truck company, and one Battalion Chief for a total of 13 personnel. This equipment includes heavy rescue equipment, confined space rescue equipment, low angle rescue equipment, auto extrication equipment ( Jaws of Life), a variety of ground ladders, smoke removal fans, and large water delivery appliances. Truck companies also carry equipment not normally located on a fire engine. These incidents include swift water rescue, low angle rescue, high rise incidents, wide rise incidents, confined space rescue, and trench rescues. Truck company personnel are trained to a higher level than fire engine personnel due to the nature of the calls they respond to. Truck companies provide search and rescue forcible entry a rapid intervention crew ( RIC) in case of a building collapse ventilation of smoke and hot gases aerial water application staffing to augment the engine company compliment and provide backup response to emergency calls for service when engine companies are committed elsewhere. Additionally, when responding to a fire, their primary responsibilities include laying water supply lines locating, accessing, and extinguishing the fire search and rescue if no truck company is available and assisting in the overhaul and salvage. These fire apparatus are staffed with paramedic firefighters to provide advance life support care for any medical emergency. Fire engines provide the initial response to any request for emergency service. A seventh fire station is slated to open in October of 2012 and will minimally be staffed with a fire engine. Fire Apparatus. The Xxxxxx Valley Fire Department currently has six fire stations staffed by six fire engines and two aerial apparatus (also known as truck companies) that respond to emergency calls for service such as fires, medical emergencies, traffic accidents natural and manmade disasters, hazardous materials incidents, and rescue emergencies.
