Crimson Fire, Inc. unveiled a new concept vehicle that incorporates a broad spectrum of firefighting, emergency-rescue and command capabilities into a single, affordable vehicle.
The Brandon, South Dakota.-based manufacturer of custom fire trucks and other rescue vehicles displayed its First Response All Call™ (FRAC) vehicle in Booth 3124 at the International Association of Fire Chiefs trade show in Denver, Colorado. Departments can incorporate rescue, transport, fire suppression, and command modules into an affordable vehicle designed to meet the specific needs of their communities.
In the development process, Crimson Fire drew on the ambulance expertise of its sister company, Road Rescue, Inc., to develop the FRAC. Both companies are subsidiaries of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR).
“Our customers are telling us that rising fuel prices, tight budgets, fewer volunteers, and continued regulation will force them to look for lower-cost and more flexible trucks in the future,” said Kevin Crump, president of Crimson Fire. “The modular design of the FRAC allows the truck to be configured in different ways to deliver multiple capabilities.
“Mini-pumper, ambulance transport, emergency-rescue are a few of the modules that can be configured into the vehicles. It is an incredibly versatile package that allows departments to respond quickly and effectively–no matter what the initial call turns out to be.”
Built on a Ford F650 chassis, the FRAC is highly customizable. Departments can select any two of the four currently available modules to create a highly maneuverable vehicle designed to meet the duty requirements of their communities.
The pilot FRAC has mid- and rear-configurable modules, allowing departments to choose from:
- Fire suppression: Pump-and-roll capable up to 1,250 gpm. This module features an advanced compressed air foam system, 200+ cubic feet of storage space and a water tank that can hold up to 300 gallons.
- Rescue: This module features 300+ cubic feet of storage space for breathing air systems, winches, tool boards, air bottles and other gear. An optional hydraulic rescue tool system is available, as are multiple generator options.
- Transport: Designed as a fully functional ambulance, this module offers a cot, EMT bench and medical equipment storage space. It is capable of both BLS and ALS.
- Command: This module features a fully functional command work station with a secured, centralized operations area and multiple cabinet storage options.
“As our population grows and grays, the demand for emergency-rescue services continues to increase,” Crump said. “Fire departments respond to a call for help every 1.4 seconds. Ambulances make more than 16.2 million trips to emergency rooms each year.
“The FRAC is the perfect vehicle to address this trend. By blending the best capabilities of emergency-rescue vehicles, the FRAC delivers an affordable solution to all cost-conscious departments who need to meet this growing demand.”
More: www.crimson-fire.com
