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When compared against this matrix, the average age of the CAL FIRE first-line apparatus is well
ahead of what was represented in the manufacturer’s survey. We estimate that fire apparatus in
Morgan Hill will travel in the range of 5,000 to 8,000 miles annually. District engines are averaging
nearly double that amount, between 12,000 and 16,000 miles annually due to the larger service
area and the extended distance of its responses. Today’s fire engines are expected to travel a
total of 125,000 to 150,000 miles, with proper maintenance before needing replacement.
Capital Equipment
Fire apparatus are equipped with various types of tools and equipment that are utilized in
providing fire and EMS services. Many of the tools and much of the equipment carried on fire
apparatus are specified in NFPA and ISO guidelines. Fire and EMS equipment includes such items
as hose, couplings, nozzles, various types of ladders, foam, scene lighting, oxygen tanks,
defibrillators, small hand tools, fire extinguishers, mobile and portable radios, salvage covers, and
medical equipment and supplies. Many of the small tools and equipment are considered
disposable items and are replaced with ongoing operating funds. However, some pieces of
equipment are very expensive, and thus require ongoing planning for their useful life and
replacement. The more expensive pieces of capital equipment include:
■
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and fill stations.
■
Firefighting PPE (personal protective equipment).
■
Hydraulic/pneumatic extrication equipment.
■
ECG monitors/defibrillators
■
Thermal imaging cameras.
■
Mobile/portable and base radios.
■
Mobile data computers.
■
Gas monitoring and detection devices.
Much of the more expensive capital equipment is generally on a ten-year replacement cycle.
The total cost of outfitting a fleet of apparatus the size of the CAL FIRE fleet being utilized in the
Morgan Hill/SSCCFD area for the capital items described above is estimated to be in excess of
$1,500,000.
It is therefore imperative that these costs be included in the apparatus replacement
program and be built around the anticipated life cycle of this equipment.