Berkeley Heights Fire Department Apparatus
The Berkeley Heights Fire Department protects the Township of Berkeley Heights with a variety of specialized equipment that can be used in vehicle extrications, hazardous material situations and building fires. In order to utilize the capabilities of our equipment, specific types of apparatus are needed to carry out our responsibilities. To accomplish this, we have developed, over many decades, a unique lineup of specialized apparatus that allow us to provide the highest level of service to those we serve.
BHFD
Apparatus
Tower 1 is a 1995 Pierce Lance, with a two stage 1500 gallon per minute pump (gpm) and 100-foot steel ladder with a platform. The tower has a master stream which is capable of supplying up to 2000 gpm of water if needed at a large-scale incident. The objective of the ladder truck, often referred to as a truck company, is to find the fire, search for victims and vent toxic smoke from the structure during a fire. After the fire has been extinguished, the truck company will overhaul the structure. The overhaul is performed to ensure that there is no hidden fire within the structure, reducing the likelihood of a rekindle. In order to carry out functions associated with truck company operations, Tower 1 has been equipped with special tools like pike poles, commonly referred to as “hooks,” which are designed to pull/open walls and ceilings. Tower 1 has also been equipped with a variety of saws and fans, which can be used for ventilation. In addition, Tower 1 has a diverse selection of ladders for firefighters to choose from, including the 100’ aerial ladder situated on top of the truck. We must also note that the ladder company may also responsible for forcible entry, it is for this reason that are halligan bars, axes, and specialized tools like the hydra-ram that have been placed in the compartments of this truck.
Engine-4 is a 2010 Pierce Velocity Pumper, equipped with a 2000 gallon per minute, single-stage pump, 750-gallon water tank, and a 50-gallon Class-B foam cell. This engine has been outfitted with a foam system to allow for a more effective response to flammable liquid fires. In addition to the standard hoses and nozzles, Engine 4 has a 1500 gallon per minute monitor mounted above the pump panel. This monitor can be used very effectively at large scale fires. Engine-4 has been assigned as the first due engine to calls involving commercial structures and motor vehicle fires. In addition, Engine 4 is part of the Union County Foam Task Force, which responds to major flammable liquid fires that occur within Union County.
Engine-3 is a 2018 Pierce with a Freightliner cab, with a 1000 gallon per minute pump and a 500-gallon water tank. This engine was designed to reach areas that are inaccessible to traditional fire trucks, such as homes with steep, long driveways. In addition, this vehicle was designed with 4x4 capabilities, allowing it to respond to incidents located in areas with a difficult terrain and allowing it to respond safely during natural disasters or inclement weather.
Engine 1 is a 1998 Pierce Dash Pumper equipped with a 2000 gallon per minute, two-stage pump and 750-gallon water tank. This engine is equipped to draft water from static water sources such as a lake or river. In the event that there is a disruption in the water supply (fire hydrants), Engine-1 will draft from the Passaic River or a portable tank, which would be filled from a type of fire apparatus known as a tender.
Squad-2 is a 2017 Pierce Enforcer Pumper, equipped with a 1500 gallon per minute pump and 710-gallon water tank, and a 40-gallon Class-B foam cell. Squad 2 is known as an “enhanced” engine, meaning that along with standard engine company equipment, it also carries specialized equipment allowing the crew to function as a ladder or light rescue company. Additionally, Squad 2 responds to hazardous materials incidents, for this reason, it is equipped with air monitoring meters for Oxygen, Carbon-Monoxide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrogen-Sulfide and Chlorine. Squad 2 is the mutual aid engine of the fire department, responding into surrounding communities to assist with the operations of major incidents
Rescue 1 is a 2010 Pierce Velocity Heavy Rescue, with a 19.5’ body and a cab that is capable of seating 6 firefighters. This apparatus has been equipped with specialized rescue equipment such as the “jaws of life.”. When on scene Rescue 1, acts as a giant toolbox on wheels, supplying crew members with hydraulic tools, pneumatic tools, saws, technical rescue ropes, ladders, hooks, an air cart, air hose and lifting air bags. Firefighters assigned to the rescue are specially trained to operate at many types of rescue incidents. Rescue incidents that may involve a trench, confined space, swift water, ice, motor vehicle extrications, and hazardous materials spills, to name a few.
TAC 1 originally served as the rescue truck before the arrival of our current rescue, Rescue-1. This truck has since been reconfigured to respond to and adequately provide assistance during hazardous materials incidents as our tactical support vehicle. TAC-1 is has been equipped with the materials needed to effectively respond to chemical spills, materials including absorbent and mitigation supplies to stop fluids from entering storm sewers and water ways. This truck is also equipped with the tools necessary to decontaminate hazardous materials technicians or citizens that become contaminated during a hazardous material situation. In addition, TAC-1 is has been outfitted with a mobile cascade system, this system allows firefighters to refill their air bottles on scene. This capability can extend the amount of time the fire department can operate at a scene.
Marine 1, is a jon boat with a rigid aluminum body that is powered by a 25-horsepower motor. The design of Marine-1 allows it to safely operate in shallow waters. This capability makes it perfect to respond to homes impacted by flooding. In addition, Marine-1 has a rigid aluminum body making it resistant to puncture and intrusion from the tops of street signs, branches, rocks or fire hydrants.
