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The Town of Vernon Fire Department is very fortunate to have two very distinct and different aerial devices. But let's face it, if we can't place the truck in the right spot, both are useless as elevated platforms. Truck 541 is a 95' ladder tower. Ladder tower meaning the main construction of the elevating unit is a ladder type boom with a platform. Tower 141 is a 75' tower ladder. Tower ladder meaning the main construction of the elevating unit is a box type boom with a platform.
When these types of apparatus set up on a fire ground, they need to maximize the scrub area or simply cover as much surface area of a building as possible. This can be done by placing the turn table of the aerial device near the corners of a fire building. This will allow an aerial device to cover a pie shaped piece of the building.
When setting up for roof ventilation, it is easier for the firefighter in the bucket to set up, allowing the bucket to approach the ridgeline of the roof at a 90 degree angle. This method of approach will allow a ventilation crew to work off the front of the bucket reducing slipping or fall hazard.
Electrical Hazards
One of the most prominent hazards an aerial device is hampered by is the presence of power lines. These should be treated with respect and great care. Some obstacles we must overcome are the location of utility poles and trees. Most of these are easily dealt with by simply rotating the boom in the opposite direction to get to your objective. In other words - take the long way around. If you cannot rotate the boom 90 degrees, go 270 degrees in the other direction.
When overhead utility lines are on the same side of the street as the fire building, the pivot point of the boom (better known as the turn table) must be as close to being under the overhead lines as possible. This will allow you to gain correct elevation to reach the roof line of the building. Tower 141 has an overall advantage in this situation because of its mid-ship four piece boom design. Truck 541 is at a disadvantage due to the rear mount three piece boom assembly. Sometimes the best spot for an aerial device is not directly in front of the fire building. It could be across the street or in front of the neighboring structures.
When first due officers or engines arrive, think about where aerial apparatus will need to be placed. Before a truck or tower commit to a fire scene, an operator or officer should size up the area. Once an aerial is driven into a scene and hose lines are deployed into the street, it is very difficult to move them. Remember when pumping a hydrant away from the fire scene or even parking your own vehicle, an aerial will often need to turn around at an intersection and back into a fire scene. They need plenty of room.
In conclusion, aerial apparatus placement is very important. As truck companies, our top priority is to ventilate a fire building for hand line and rescue crews inside. A little forethought and planning can go a long way.
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