06-18-09 Taller Buildings Require Taller Trucks

With an ever increasing number of tall buildings rising within the city limits of McDonough, the City’s Fire Department must continue its efforts to be proactive when it comes to facing the possibility of having to fight a fire occurring in one of these taller structures.

The Fire Department purchased a 70 foot ladder truck in November, 2004 because of the possibility of a fire in a taller structure. It was named Quint 52 and described by firefighter Lance Richards as “a great truck.” The likelihood of additional vertical buildings being constructed in McDonough has created the need for a fire truck with even greater reaching capabilities.

Arriving on the scene, and nudging the 70 foot ladder truck over, is the City’s brand new Quint 52, another shinny, red, fire fighting machine. The brand new Quint 52 is being housed at Fire Station 52 at Avalon. The old Quint 52 has been reassigned to Fire Station 51 on Keys Ferry Street and will sport a brand new number, Quint 51, as a result of the move.

“We were able to reach the taller buildings with the truck we had, but just barely,” said Richards. He further explained that the new truck makes that process much easier and faster with just the extra 10 feet of ladder. Both trucks have buckets at the end of the ladders that help with various maneuvers especially when dealing with individuals who are afraid of heights. When trapped in the upper levels of a building, they are easier to extricate from this life threatening situation. “We’re very proud of this new ladder truck and the capabilities it provides City firefighters. We make every effort to meet the needs of our residents should they have to call us into action at any time,” stated McDonough Fire Chief Steve Morgan.

The City of McDonough continually seeks to serve the citizens of McDonough and to keep them safe. “I remember the excitement of the first motorized fire truck arriving in the City when I was ten years old,” recalled Mayor Billy Copeland. “I feel the same pride today that we are able to have state of the art equipment in our community to protect our citizens and infrastructure. I applaud the Council for sanctioning this important investment.”

As the current growth patterns continue in this area, one thing is evident, building trends and developments espousing vertical structures must be recognized and plans put in place to accommodate the ever increasing number of these buildings. Lives could depend on it.

 

City of McDonough firefighters Scott Scarbrough (Left) and Lance Richards stand in front of the City’s new 85 foot ladder truck to be housed at the Avalon Fire Station. McDonough’s firefighters have received training on the proper use of all aspects of this new ladder truck.