Scott SCBA

Last night all 100+ EPFD fire fighters and 20+ vehicles performed a swift change is SCBA from MSI to Scott.






The new system will provide us with high pressure bottles and safer technology.





In addition, this set up is going to be the same for many of our neighboring cities. This will insure we are all compatable to again, provide a safer situation for all.


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Started Driving

This is the week that I officially begin driving……the big rigs…. So watch out. The reality is driving these big vehicle actually is so intimidating that it really makes you more aware of your surroundings and others. It is not enough to just pay attention but you when you are driving a rig that weighs around 30,000 lbs it gives you a different perspective. Yesterday we took Engine 41 out for an hour drive spending time between highway and side streets. I need 3 more hours of engine, four hours of tower driving and 9 hours of pumping.

Polar plunge

A live post from EP polar plunge at round lake. 300+ jumpers. Nearly double from last year.


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American Heart Assoc Climb

Last week? Two weeks ago seven of us from the EPFD supported the American Heart Association by climbing 32 flights of stairs. I think we pushed ourselves, at least I know I did...but there was definitley a little left in the tank. The seven of us finished within 60 seconds of each other (between 8 & 9 minutes).

between the 7 of us we raised over $700 dollars.
Next up is the polar plunge for the special olympics.

Late night crash

Last night was the second late night page of the week. A rarity for station #4. Car slid off the road on one of the few remaining dirt roads in Eden prairie.
E41 provided blocking, light and help literally digging part of the car out of the embankment.


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Friction Loss = CQ2L

I think I am almost half way through operator class…..which is a good thing. If there was ever an example or separation of ‘book smart’ and ‘street smart’ this class is it. It is not that the classroom is difficult but boring. You can only read so much about how to drive and operate before you need to just do it. Every truck is different. Drives different, operates different so the real teaching will come during the hands on training at the department.

But I do have to say the pumping/hydraulics section is interesting. Calculating friction loss through the hose, elevation, appliances and then determining the right pressure to ensure the front line crew as enough GPM.
Friction Loss = CQ2L (co-efficient x flow rate squared x length of hose) And then you can calculate the Pump Discharge Pressure as = NP + FL + AFL + EL