Kansas

[Athomas5784]

If I understand correctly, these will operate as engines but with the "enhancement" of an eleveated waterway and ladder if needed?

 

Bingo. However these Ladders are more of a Truck than an Engine. They have I believe 2 extra extension ladders, 2 extra pike polls, and 0ft of 3" hose. The 5" LDH loads in the rear but makes a 45deg jog up then lays above the rear compartments. The firefighters were talking about how it "worked" on some training evolution's, but it may flake out incorrectly and jam a coupling due to the odd angle. I guess what I am trying to say is that it seems that by not specifically numbering the Ladders to a station, and the fact that they are spec'd more on the truck side of things; I think the short term plan is to have them act like a Engine, then in a year or two move them to a different station to actually do Ladder/Truck work. For those familiar with Wichita there is only 1 true Engine West of the the Big Ditch. (Engine 16). There are 3 aerial devices (Quint 21, Truck 4, and Ladder 1). It just doesn't make a lot of sense. I have lived out west for 5 years and have yet to see Quint 21 with its ladder raised on a fire.