FIRE 103 - Introduction to Fire Apparatus

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course provides a brief history of the earliest fire units to modern designs. Study of specific uses, new design developments and the requirements for specific apparatus will lead the student to be able to develop specifications for the purchase of fire apparatus. Investigation and examination of components, including chassis, cab, pumps, custom bodywork and aerial devices, will be explored. The student will participate in design specification sessions and will have the opportunity to review features that may be pertinent to particular apparatus or regional idiosyncrasies. 

Note Summer session only. 

Prerequisite Introduction to Fire Science or permission of instructor or dean.

Peters, William C. Fire Apparatus Purchasing Handbook. New York: Penn Well Books, 1994.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Identify different types of fire apparatus in use today.

B. Identify functions that can be combined on a single unit and justify such combinations on equipment.

C. Explain financial implications of specific features.

D. Write specifications for the apparatus to meet available criteria in a given response area, including: the consideration of manpower available, number of runs, and lifetime longevity requirements.

E. Explain the value of used apparatus and compare to the value of refurbishing.

F. Identify performance tests of any apparatus by knowing the requirements for such testing.

Content
A. History and development of fire apparatus

B. Centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps

C. Pumping engines

D. Aerial device apparatus

E. Water tankers (tenders)

F. Rescue vehicles

G. Support or special vehicles

H. Chassis and cab evaluations

I. Power plants, transmissions, retarding devices

Student Evaluation
Grades will be based on written assignments, examination, and quizzes. Group work and oral presentations are as required by the individual instructor.Bibliography
Halberstadt, Hans. The American Fire Engine. Osceola, WI: MBI Publishing, 1993.

Ingersoll-Dresser Pumps. Cameron Hydraulic Data. Philipsburg, NJ: 1994.

National Fire Protection Association. NFPA Handbook 18th ed. Boston: National Fire Protection Association, 2001.

Robert B. Marvin D.P.A. The Encyclopedia of American LaFrance. Hudson, WI: R-Mac Publications, 1995.

Shapiro, Larry. Fighting Fire Trucks. Osceola, WI: MBI Publishing, 1999.

Other References

Eckart, Harvey. Mack Model CF Fire Trucks. New York: Penn Well, 1997.

Hess, Ed. Crown Firecoach History. New York: Penn Well, 1998.

McCall, Walt. Seagrave 70th Anniversary Series Photo Archive. New York: Penn Well, 1996.

Phillips, Lawrence E. American La France 700 & 800 Series. Hudson, WI: Iconographics, 1999.