Equipment

While many fire departments around the country utilize specialized vehicles to handle specific types of emergencies, GFR still uses the "bread-n-butter" apparatus for our primary responses... engine companies and truck companies.

Engine Companies, like our new rigs pictured at right, carries 1,200 feet of 5-inch supply hose, 1,000 feet of 3-inch hose and 450 feet of 1.75-inch hose. The engine's main function is to supply water from its tanks and pump water from fire hydrants.

The engine, driven by a Driver-Operator, also contains advanced life support equipment, ladders and foam that is used to extinguish varied types of fires.  Engine units frequently are the first units to respond to an emergency. Our engines pump 1,750 gallons per minute and carry 750 gallons of water on board, though rural pumpers may carry 1,000 gallons depending on the available water supply. Normally three firefighters are assigned to engine companies.  Gainesville Fire Rescue has five engine companies.

Tower Ladder Unit
Truck companies are used for different assignments than those of the engines. Tower 1, left, is an example of a tower ladder unit. Both GFR towers and our quint are types of truck companies that carry all the hoses and pumping equipment of an engine in addition to an aerial ladder and a complete complement of ground ladders. The aerial ladder can deliver water onto a fire from above or rescue occupants who become trapped in a multistory structure. Truck companies normally carry less water on board because of the ladders, but all truck companies have four firefighters that are assigned to a rig. 

Gainesville Fire Rescue has two tower ladder units. These vehicles are used in a variety of fire and emergency situations. Tower trucks, driven by a Driver-Operator, play a vital role in fire situations that involve buildings with more than one story.  These units allow firefighters to reach fires by way of a basket holding two to four people connected to a 100-foot aerial. Towers also are equipped with 160 feet of ground ladders ranging from an 8-foot attic ladder to a 50-foot extension ladder. Emergency equipment found on the towers include life support, rescue ropes, extrication equipment (Jaws of Life), saws and emergency rescue tools.

Medical Rescue Unit
GFR's medical rescue unit, called Squad 1, contains advanced life support equipment including trauma supplies, splints and other life support equipment needed at medical emergencies. The unit, which is driven by a Paramedic with another Paramedic or Emergency Medical Technician on board, is also responsible for any situation that involves extrication.

The "Jaws of Life" is a vital machine on Squad 1 that frees trapped people in auto accidents and other emergencies. Squad 1 responds to house fires, vehicle accidents and any other situation warranting a rescue unit.

Of course, no fire department could function without some specialized equipment.  GFR is several specialized vehicles that don't respond to every emergency call, but are invaluable when needed.

Air and Light Truck (Mask Service Squad)
Utility 6, the Air and Light squad housed in Station 6 at the Gainesville Regional Airport, is equipped to provide extensive lighting for night emergencies. The unit also carries large cylinders of compressed air, which are used to supply breathing air for firefighters at the scene of a fire or hazardous materials incident.

Hazmat Response Unit

Hazmat 2 is a special unit is designed to carry all of the equipment, gear, and tools needed by the hazardous materials team. The unit also has a small office of incident coordination and for the storage of reference materials.

Airport (ARFF) Units

Crash 61 and Chemical 62 are the two aircraft rescue fire fighting vehicles stationed at the Gainesville Regional Airport.  They provide rapid response for any aircraft rescue, fire or other emergency involving a plane at the airport.  These units, purchased in 1994, are equipped with special foam and rescue tools needed at airport emergencies. The airport vehicles, along with other GFR emergency response vehicles, participate in airport disaster training regularly.

Command Units

A District Chief responds to all multi-company incidents and to any emergency requiring coordination of the assigned companies. The command vehicle contains radios, phones, a computer, diagrams of the water supply systems, and many other items required for coordination and management of larger emergencies.

Special Units

In addition to the above companies, GFR also has several special units which are activated as needed. These include:

• 1 mass casualty supply trailer
• 1 confined space rescue trailer
• 1 regional hazardous materials support trailer
• 1 fire extinguisher demonstration trailer
• 1 clown alley support trailer and the Fire Safety House