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Post by RigBuff on Jun 14, 2004 15:41:14 GMT -5
I remember the hose tenders very well. But what was their MAIN purpose..... to handle the layoff to the hydrant?..... to simply have additional hose available for an engine company? ....... their deck gun? Roughly what year did hose tenders come into being? Was the abandoning of the high pressure system the reason the hose tenders were no longer needed? Did any other companies have the tender besides E-3, 14, 17, 29, 43 and 45? Thanks.
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Post by Box_2565 on Jun 17, 2004 15:58:09 GMT -5
Most of the apparatus used as the second piece for engine companies was another pumper. C.F.D. only operated 4 motorized hose wagons.
In 1942 the 1918 Ahrens-Fox rescue that had been assigned to Squad 52 was rebuilt and converted to a hose wagon. This apparatus was assigned to Engine 3.
In 1952 three hose wagons were manufactured by the Kelly Auto Body Company of Cincinnati on Reo truck chassis. The initial assignment of these wagons was to Engines 3, 29, and 45. The wagons assigned to the 3's and 45's were reassigned to Engines 20 and 43 after a short period of time (a few months).
About 1965 the 3 Reo/Kelly's were converted to Hi-X foam trucks and assigned to Engines 14, 46, and 48.
The hose wagons were used to lay additional supply lines at fires. They carried 3" hose with 2 1/2" couplings.
Engines 43, 44, and 45 operated with 2 pumpers from the late 1940's or early 50's until 1975 when the 44's & 45's were disbanded. I beleive Engine 14 ran with 2 engines for a while after Engine 45 was gone. I'm not certain when the 43's stopped operating with 2 pieces.
In late 1975 or January 1976 several engine companies were equipped with 5" hose. I recall seeing 5" line in use for the first time at a 2 alarm that occured at the main post office on 5th Street on January 23, 1976.
The high pressure system was used at the 5 alarm (5 alarm +) at Smith Brothers Furniture on 3rd Street in 1975. I beleive that Smith Brothers was the last fire where the system was used.
If anyone knows which companies received 5" hose first, and where it was used the first time, please drop me a line!
Steve
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Post by RigBuff on Jun 17, 2004 18:36:14 GMT -5
So, would it be correct to say that large diameter hose is what made the hose tenders and the high-pressure system unnecessary? Was smaller manpower and budget also a reason for eliminating the tenders? Thanks.
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Post by FireBuff on Jun 18, 2004 15:34:17 GMT -5
To the best of my memory Engine 17 was the first company to have 5in hose. They had it on their 74 Seagrave. There was a 3 alarm fire on a Saturday night at 13th and Race (maybe the late 70's) in a rehab on the corner. I was at that fire and they called for engine 17 to lay their 5 in hose from Elm St. through Washington Park to the fire. This may not have been the first fire they used 5in but it was the first extra alarm fire were it was put to use.
The high pressure water system was replaced by new water mains and more fire hydrants for the main reason that the system was old and the city feared that if one of the lines broke it could do major damage to the street or near by buildings. The high pressure system became a big problem to the city so it was phased out. With better fire engines 5in hose and more fire hydrants it was no longer needed. I hope this info sheds some light on the subject.
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JERAIS
Lieutenant
Over 27 years on the CFD. Promoted FAO 1982. Assigned to Engine Co. 21 1/86
Posts: 13
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Post by JERAIS on Jun 21, 2004 6:06:35 GMT -5
To my recollection Engine 8 may have had the first load of 5" hose. As a recruit in late 1975 I recall the 8's coming to the drill yard to test the new large diameter hose. However, usually several companies are given that type of equipment on or about the same day. So, it is quite possible that the 17's had the large diameter hose at the same time. As to the first fire where it was used, I have no idea.
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