Thursday, March 28, 2024

Chelan Fire and Rescue ladder truck fails testing

Options to buy or to fix debated

Posted

CHELAN – All apparatus owned by the Chelan Fire and Rescue are doing well, except for one.

Ladder 71 is out of service. It failed the UL testing on Nov. 13. The UL test certifies the performance and safety of fire apparatuses, systems, devices and ground ladders.

Fleet Manager John Goyne explained, “when they did the drift test it failed the drift test and it also has a plumbing leak that I am working on.”

During the drift test, “The aerial device is placed at full elevation marking the cylinder piston on the second section in relation to the base section and allow the ladders to stand for one hour with engine off.”

The drift test was conducted twice and Ladder 71 failed both times, “It relaxed a little too much which compromises the safety of the personnel in the aerial apparatus,” said Fire Chief Tim Lemon.

In other words, they cannot use the ladder truck on any structure fires, CFR is now unable to reach a fourth floor. At the moment, CFR is checking to see what needs to get done in order to get the apparatus fixed.

“I am waiting for calls back from four places to find out if they are able to fix it and see how much is going to cost, “said Goyne.

Even though CFR cannot use the ladder truck to put anyone on it, they can still shoot water up from the truck.

Lemon added,“Our immediate fix is to get a hold of District 1 and let them know in what kind of shape we are,” that way CFR can get a hold of Ladder 1 or Ladder 11 out of Cashmere, which is an hour away.

The ladder truck is 26 years old, so “everything on the truck is obsolete.” Goyle stated that the cost to repair the truck could perhaps range from anywhere between $40,000 - $60,000.

One of the options CFR is looking into is the purchase of an used truck that will meet their needs. CFR has been looking what’s available online and so far they have found a 2008 truck which they could get 15 years’ service with.

The other option would be to buy a new one, yet there’s no funding for that. “The most probable solution is going to be a good used aerial apparatus,” clarified Lemon.
CFR will come back with a report after conducing more research on the different options and they will presented it to the Board.

Special Events:
    •    Nov. 21 – Santa arrives in Chelan on Parade 71, Tree lighting and Hot Coco at Station #71
    •    Dec. 18 – CFR Holiday Social – Station #71, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
 

Update on Coffee with the Chiefs:
Chelan Fire and Rescue kicked off Coffee with the Chief’s at the Vogue on Wednesday, Oct. 17. During the Nov. 14 meeting, Deputy Fire Chief Mark Donnell and Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Asher reported back on the program. The first and second week it was very busy, “for me I got to meet to a lot people in the community, I shook a lot of hands, they enjoy seeing us there,” said Asher.  
Coffee with the Chief’s is held every Wednesday from 9 am – 10 am at The Vogue located at 117 E. Woodin Ave. Feel free to join Chelan Fire and Rescue’s Chiefs and express any concerns and questions you may have.
 

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