FE Volume 136 Issue 8

Determining the number of men and amount of equipment (load) an aerial ladder can safely support is not always easy, especially when the fire apparatus is positioned on a grade. The percent of the grade must be considered when calculating the aerial's angle and load; and it is often difficult to estimate the percent of grade accurately.

Despite advanced technologies and better fire fighter protective gear, North America continues to lead the world in structural fires, fire deaths and fire fighter injuries, with two to four times the average number of incidents suffered in most European countries. Philip S. Schaenman, former associate administrator of the United States Fire Administration, visited European fire officers, fire researchers and fire protection officials over a two-year period to determine what factors contribute to the success of European fire protection.

When the Hertz Corporation purchases several thousand Chevy Citations for its 1983 fleet, General Motors no doubt will sell these vehicles at a very competitive price. Quantity purchasing is one way that many companies and corporations are able to reduce their operating costs. Obviously, fire departments could profit by purchasing fire apparatus through a fleet concept, but few city fire departments can justify or afford a large enough quantity of apparatus to coax a fleet price from manufacturers.