[quote name='poindexter6' timestamp='1301525625' post='431978']
Not bashing, just wondering but...
It seems like you then have a wagon/pumper/engine whatever you want to call it sitting at the fire scene not doing anything. Why is it beneficial to have them run in pairs?
[/quote]
The two piece Engine Company concept has numerous advantages, Below I'll list a few:
1. Ability to adapt quickly to Water Supply problems (Dead Hydrant,etc.)
2. Ability to remain in service should one piece go down mechanical.
3. Ability to double the size of your FD quickly in the event of a major emergency (something DC couldn't do on 9-11, having dropped to single piece Engine Co's. in 1991)
4. Tactical Flexibility regarding Hoselay options should someting unexpected occur.
5. Ability of the Pumper to "takeover" the pumping of the Wagon's lines in the event of a mechanical failure, thus protecting the crews operating in the building.
These are just a few, feel free to add additional advantages. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/3_12_21.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> (Ret.)
Not bashing, just wondering but...
It seems like you then have a wagon/pumper/engine whatever you want to call it sitting at the fire scene not doing anything. Why is it beneficial to have them run in pairs?
[/quote]
The two piece Engine Company concept has numerous advantages, Below I'll list a few:
1. Ability to adapt quickly to Water Supply problems (Dead Hydrant,etc.)
2. Ability to remain in service should one piece go down mechanical.
3. Ability to double the size of your FD quickly in the event of a major emergency (something DC couldn't do on 9-11, having dropped to single piece Engine Co's. in 1991)
4. Tactical Flexibility regarding Hoselay options should someting unexpected occur.
5. Ability of the Pumper to "takeover" the pumping of the Wagon's lines in the event of a mechanical failure, thus protecting the crews operating in the building.
These are just a few, feel free to add additional advantages. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/3_12_21.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> (Ret.)