What Have You Found to be Useful Tools on a Rural Main-line Pumper?

what tools would you suggest to help in rural fires besides the basics pike poles ladders gas powered fan hard suction ldh and air tanks and bottles and hoses and nozzles. is there anything else that anyone has found useful throught there years on departments?

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Permalink Reply by Glen Garland on December 12, 2009 at 5:41pm

We carry bolt cutters (gate padlocks), set of irons, 5' prybar, shovels (pointed spades as well as grain scoops) and brooms, jumpkit w/ AED and O2, tow chain or strap, and enough bottled water for the crew during initial rehab or for flushing eyes, wool and aluminum blankets, traffic control gear (vests, lights etc) GPS and a knowledgable pump operator! If you deal w/ chimney fires a bucket or 2 w/ dry powder in sandwich bags and chimney cleaning gear. The best idea is to look at your response territory (inc mutual aid) see what the hazards are and plan appropriaetly. Don't be afraid to ask other depts what they carry as well. Some of the neatest ideas and tricks I've ever seen have come from depts dealing w/ situations in the territory with limited funds and alot of imagination and talent!

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on December 12, 2009 at 6:02pm

The proper application of that gel between your ears. You can have all the tools an gadgets there is to have but not have the mental fortitude to make good decisions or be safe-ish. Forget the gadgets and use your peanut.

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Permalink Reply by Dustin Sandrock on December 15, 2009 at 8:56pm

Glen, I like your reference to a knowledgeable pump operator! i would have to say that would go along with your crew. Being from a small volunteer dept. with limited man-power we try to pick and choose or crews on our first due eng. Our district covers parts of 3 counties so a good map book is a must too! one of our counties has road names the other 2 have road numbers gets a little confusing at times especially when your trying to get mutual aid to the scene.