Fire Engines Photos

Lou, out of interest, there is a LOT of water around the place, just what is going on!? And, is that a ladder tiller in the background? This pumper is in immaculate condition, how long has it been on the run? The Federal electric siren positioned front bumper, and the electronic sirens, can you tell us why the US Fire Departments continue to use the Federal electric siren. ie, in what combination do you sound the Federal siren as regards the other electronic devices enroute to jobs? I hope I have not given you too many items to respond, ,

Added by Pavel Zaremba - Western Australia on 21 July 2007.

Interesting questions Pavel. Engine 5 is sitting in a pool of run-off water fromt the fire incident. A dike was created using sandbags to keep the run off from entering a river, which is about 100 meters to the right of the image.

The appliance in the background is a tiller or "tractor drawn" 100 foot aerial. Our city is one of the oldest in the states (350 years) and as you might imagine the streets and corners are extremely narrow, especially in residential areas.

The Federal Q story is quite interesting. Americans have always associated the sound of the Q with fire appliances. When New York City did away with their Q's, civilian drivers rarely gave way thinking it was a police officer racing to the donut shop. These days chauffers (as they are referred to in NYC, ) use the airhorn almost exclusively during the response. In Wilmington, and many other cities, the electronic siren sounds constantly, with the Q and airhorn being used when approaching intersections. As a firefighter, I can tell you that the Federal Q gets the adrenaline going -- much like London's page 6 gals.

Added by Lou Angeli on 21 July 2007.

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