Check Out Our Equipment
Apparatus
South King Fire & Rescues fleet inventory consists of (1) 1991 Pierce 105 Aerial, (11) Fire Engines, (5) Aid Cars, (2) Command vehicles, (1) Rescue truck with trailer and (3) Hazardous Materials Trailers, each with a tow vehicle. The hazardous materials equipment trailer is attached to the major incident command post. The remainder of the fleet is made up of vehicles supporting administration, fleet, facilities, training, public education, motor pool and fire prevention divisions.
Maintenance and Purchasing Vehicles
Generally speaking, fire engines are kept for eighteen years; most of which, is in front line service. Aid Cars and staff vehicles have a ten year service life. These timelines are evaluated and adjusted based on cost of operation, frequency of repair and dependability.
Safety Standards
Standards we need to follow
Minimum standards for fire apparatus are regulated in the National Fire Protection Handbook (NFPA) in standards 1901 and 1911. Standards for fire apparatus also exist in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-305. These standards give our department guidance during design and purchase of emergency equipment.
Mechanic Qualifications
Fleet Division is overseen by the Deputy Chief of Support Services/Logistics. Fleet Supervisor Steve Denton runs the day to day operations of the shop, assisted by fleet mechanics Terry Walvoord and Jason Fent. Between these three professionals, they have over 43 years of experience working on fire apparatus.
All fleet personnel are required to maintain certifications pertaining to fleet maintenance. The fleet supervisor maintains all ASE certifications as well as an Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Masters Certificate in both Aid Cars and Fire Apparatus. The Masters Level is the highest of the three EVT Certification levels. Our two fleet mechanics maintain all ASE certifications while one is certified to EVT Level Two and the other to EVT Level One in both Aid Car and Fire Apparatus.
Facilities Qualifications
Facilities maintenance personnel must be well versed in different areas including carpentry, masonry, electrical, mechanical, new construction, reading blue prints, and managing outside contractors. It is a job requirement to have at least five years of prior experience.
Vehicles - Keeping them going!
Mechanical Repairs
The fleet shop follows national and manufacturers standards for vehicle maintenance to ensure that vehicle maintenance is done properly and the safety of the public and our personnel are secured. Each vehicle has a maintenance schedule with documented items to inspect and maintain.
Outfitting New Vehicles
New vehicles and apparatus are evaluated upon arrival from the manufacturer to ensure that the vehicle is built to specifications. Fleet division is then tasked with the installation/mounting of all equipment and installation of the remaining emergency lighting, radios, mobile data computer and communication equipment prior to placing the unit in service.
Surplus Vehicles
Once staff vehicles and apparatus are declared surplus, staff vehicles are turned over to the Washington State Department of General Administration for sale or auction. Fire apparatus is advertised and sold via sealed bid.
Equipment Testing
Pump Testing
Each fire engine is pump tested annually to ensure its ability to pump to its rated capacity. Any deficiencies found are addressed and the apparatus is re-tested.
Aerial Testing
The aerial mechanisms on the 105 ladder truck and the 50 telesquirt are tested annually by Under Writers Laboratory (UL). Any deficiencies noted are repaired prior to receiving the required annual certifications.
Ground ladder Testing
Ground ladders are also tested on an annual basis as required in WAC 296-305.
Hydrant Testing
All 5800 hydrants in the fire district are tested and inspected bi-annually. Each hydrant is tested for flow capabilities, clean water, and any necessary repairs. For the safety of our firefighters and community it is important that our hydrants work when they are needed.
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