Fire Engines Photos

CFD operates two of these 55 foot Snorkels, and they are currently in the process of being replaced by another pair. They each team up with a rescue squad truck, and are crewed by a six man company.

Although only two are in service - along with 49 ladder trucks - they are turned out to a surprising number of working fires, because of their ability to deliver a high volume of water exactly where it is needed in many different fire situations - with varying types of structures on fire.

Unlike their ladder trucks and the previous generation CFD 85 foot snorkels, they do not carry ground ladders, but this gives them the advantage of having a very short wheelbase for better manuverability. When operating as a water tower, they are supplied by a conventional pumper.

I do not know of any other major US city which operates 55 foot snorkels in this kind of role, and indeed the "telesquirt", which combined a pumper with a 50/55 foot articulating boom with a monitor attached, seems to have generally lost favor among US fire departments and has been largely phased out.

Added by Rob Johnson on 29 June 2014.

Now replaced. Two units in the city and two at O'Hare airport.

Added by Rob Johnson on 28 May 2017.

Comment removed at request of Commentor

Andy - there are two red painted ones for city use and two yellow units - I thought these last two were based at the airport?

They are quite a lot longer than the old ones - carry a boat too, for water rescues, but the snorkels look to me to be a bit less maneuverable than the HMEs.

Added by Rob Johnson on 09 June 2017.

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