Houston Fire Department Acquires 9 Pumpers

The Houston, Texas, Fire Department (HFD) has acquired nine pumpers, bringing the average age of the fleet down to seven years. This acquisition brings the HFD's total number of Spartan Emergency Vehicle pumpers to 58, which brings it closer to the current administration’s goal of standardization. Standardization reduces the quantity of parts needed to be stocked and gives the department greater negotiating power with its parts supplier. Most importantly, standardization makes operations safer by increasing familiarization and efficiencies.

Some of the vehicles' features include:

• 2000 GPM Hale single-stage pumps
• 500 gallon water tanks
• Occupant protection, including steering wheel airbags, driver’s and officer’s knees airbags, and driver, officer, and crew area side airbags
• Rollover, side impact, and ejection mitigation provided by outboard sensors that cause the airbags to deploy when any of these potential scenarios are detected
• Back-up and right-side body cameras
• Intercom and radio system provided through headsets, offering hearing protection and increased crew communication
• Easy-to-clean interior cab finish to aid in cleaning to reduce carcinogens left behind after a fire
• 8 high-visibility LED scene lights, two on each of the four sides of the apparatus to increase nighttime visibility
• Ballistic vest hangers and helmet storage inside the cab so members can be properly protected prior to exiting the vehicle when necessary