Ladder
FAQ
1.
Why do you need a
ladder truck?
A: A
ladder truck is
instrumental in any firefighting operation. It is crucial for
vertical ventilation and
rescue. We
frequently must use an elevated master stream.
2.
Peterborough
has no tall buildings. Why do you need a 100 foot
ladder?
A: It is not about
height, it is about reach.
Peterborough
has always encouraged a setback from the road in many zoning
districts. These structures are more easily accessible with a longer
aerial.
3.
How much will this truck cost?
A: The bid we have
for this year, for a demonstrator model comes in at $549,000. If wait
until next season the bid we have for the same truck is $603,000.
4.
How will we pay for this truck?
A: The town has
already saved $237,000 from previous years taxes in a capital reserve
fund. The balance will be appropriated at 2004 town meeting. Since
$300,000 in debt payments were retired in 2003, there could be almost
no impact on the tax rate.
5.
Have you looked at used apparatus?
A:
Peterborough is
a unique community, with narrow streets, travel limitations for large
apparatus. In addition, our station can only house a truck that is
less than 11’6” tall. Older
fire apparatus
is limited in its turning capability. We have found that this
combination of factors has made it impossible to find a used truck
that meets the needs of this town. We have looked nation-wide as well
as at international
fire apparatus dealers for used apparatus. We have traveled to
look at several of these trucks and have found none that meet our
criteria, or fit our cost-benefit equation.
6.
Is it possible to refurbish the current
ladder?
A: We have
evaluated that option and found the cost to be about $125,000 and we
would still end up with a
ladder that is
25 years old. Because of technology new ladders are stronger and more
versatile. Our current
ladder can only
be rated at 200 pounds load bearing capacity at the tip—and only at
certain angles. A new
ladder would be
rated at 500 pounds at all angles. In addition, replacement parts for
older ladders are becoming harder to find. Many times our current
ladder has been
out of service for repairs for extended periods because it has been
difficult to find parts.
7.
Why must
Peterborough have a
ladder? Why
not rely on other towns that have ladders?
A: The type of
buildings we have in
Peterborough
are unique. We must be able to service group care facilities, the
hospital, 3rd floor apartments, residents on old country
roads, and a variety of commercial buildings in town. Time is our
most important ally when it comes to
fire
suppression and
rescue. The nearest
ladder after
Peterborough is
about 30 minutes away.
8.
How many calls does the
Ladder Truck
respond to each year?
A: The
ladder truck is
on our response card for virtually every type of 288
fire calls we
might receive. Each call requires different tactical needs and the
ladder is
equipped to accomplish certain tasks that other apparatus may not.
For example, the aerial would be used to extricate a person from a
second floor window instead of a ground
ladder because
it is often unsafe to lean a ground
ladder against
a burning or unstable structure.
9.
If we buy this new
ladder truck,
how is the average resident of
Peterborough
safer?
A: Since the
nearest ladder
truck is at least 20 miles away, it would be nearly impossible for a
mutual aid ladder
to reach a fire
scene in time for elevated
fire
suppression or occupant extrication.
10. What happens
to the old ladder
truck?
A: PFR anticipates
selling the unit for at least $5000.00. We are exploring all avenues
to maximize the sale and generate the most revenue for the taxpayers.
The sale will be concurrent with the arrival of the new unit, so there
will be no gap in service.
11. What will
the new unit look like?
Here is an example:
More questions?
We have photos and
all of our research posted our website
http://www.firerescue.us/aerialevaluations.htm or contact
Firefighter Hampson at 924-3624 or Lieutenant Roper at 924-5752
Background:
PFR is the second
busiest department in the 79-town mutual aid district, which includes
the communities in the Monadnock region and those in southwestern New
Hampshire and eastern portion of Vermont. Last year, PFR responded
to 1171 calls a 12% increase over 2002. That equates to 3.2 calls per
day, 365 days per year! Only Keene
Fire/Rescue
responds to more calls for help in our district.
Peterborough
Fire/Rescue
operates with a professional staff of 45 on-call members who ALL have
careers in other professions. PFR is clearly a microcosm of
Peterborough,
with full representation of blue collar workers to PhDs, executives
and stay-at-home parents. In addition 15 young adults, ages 14-21,
assist as Fire/Rescue
Explorers. |
