If mega machines get you excited then the fire fighting apparatus are for you. These trucks are nothing short of amazing. The shear size and performance of these vehicles is most impressive. Station 2 is home to 6 front line vehicles ranging from Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, a Structural Pumper, a mini Rescue and mini Pumper trucks. Andy gave our group an in depth speech and close up look at each of the trucks in the station. The capabilities of these vehicles is simply awesome, the amount of water and/or foam they can discharge in just minutes would fill a swimming pool in no time. One of the most interesting facts about the major crash trucks is the manpower, or should I say how few men are required to operate them. One person can drive and operate the water cannon with the controls that are all located inside the driver cab. Obviously not necessarily at the same time though.

Red 4 - Oshkosh T-1500 Rapid Intervention Vehicle

The windows on the crash vehicles are many times stronger then regular glass and are made from a super thick composition for protection from heat and debris. Red 6 & Red 3 have an interesting water nozzle system. Along with a standard water nozzle, they are also equipped with a piercing rod that allows crews to actually penetrate an aircraft fuselage and discharge water into the interior of an aircraft through this piercing rod. Both vehicles also have an infrared camera on the water nozzle boom. Major crash vehicles are equipped with additional water nozzles that are located underneath the trucks themselves. This allows for water discharge under and around the vehicle itself preventing burning fluids on the ground from reaching the truck. As our group finished up the rounds of the various apparatus, Red 2 was returning to the station after refueling and was preparing for a demonstration of a different kind.

Red 2 - Oshkosh T-3000 Major Foam Vehicle - click for larger image

Positioned outside on the station ramp, Firefighter Brad Lavery in Red 2, took the controls and gave us a demonstration of the business end of this vehicle. A full on water cannon display, and if you think a 38mm line from a regular fire truck sprays a lot of water, this beast makes that look like a garden hose. With the nozzle now in full operation, the stream of water was easily reaching 50 yards. Any aircraft on Juliet taxiway could have had a free wash. These trucks are designed to discharge water and/or foam and a lot of it, FAST!! With the stream of water flowing overhead what a better time then a group photo opportunity. Even standing off to the side some 5-10 feet away from the front of the truck, the mist was easily showering a few of us. Having never been that close to one of these trucks while they were in operation, I have to say this was most impressive and a real highlight for us. As our group moved back inside the station it was time to see if any of us had what it takes to be a firefighter, well at least what one of us would look like in the gear.