The future of apparatus starts here

Fire apparatus can have a duty life of 10 to 30 years, but with technology advancing faster than ever before, are you buying the apparatus you need today or the apparatus you will need in 2030 and beyond?

This series explores the apparatus advancements, including the uptick in hybrid and electric vehicles employed by fire departments. It also explores simple ways to make apparatus upgrades and how the evolving fire service mission will impact apparatus specifications in the future.

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Should patient-transport capabilities be designed into future fire apparatus?

It’s important to consider the implications before assuming transport-capable apparatus is the simple solution to ambulance delays

What would your dream apparatus feature?

From auto-pilot deployment and drones to “cow-pusher” mechanisms, fire service leaders imagine the apparatus of the future
Blocking apparatus: Are attenuating units the next must-have apparatus type?

More and more fire departments are adding blocking units to protect emergency scenes
If we squeak (or wheeze) loudly enough, will firefighters get the technology we need?

The advancement of wildland fire apparatus and equipment depends on using available technology and pushing for undiscovered technology

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'Cleanest cab’ concepts: A realistic approach to apparatus design and firefighter health
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A personal plea for all leaders to embrace the clean cab concepts that will protect firefighters from apparatus contaminates
Planning your apparatus fleet future: A 3-tier process of support
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Successful management of long-term apparatus purchasing requires an all-hands approach at the fire department's strategic, organizational and task levels
Electric apparatus: Is this really the wave of the future?
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There's a lot to unpack when it comes to whether the fire service will eventually embrace electric apparatus
Built-environment buying: Apparatus selection and community construction
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The surge of lightweight construction across the country underscores the need to look to the future of community development
Apparatus checklists: Tips and tricks to make them work for you
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Don’t just pencil-whip that form; take the time to get it right
Speccing for the future: Planning ahead doesn’t require a crystal ball
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Consider costs, compartments, multi-functional uses and response area when envisioning your department’s next apparatus
‘Dear chief …’: A letter from the future urges doing what’s right over what’s popular
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We will remember the first chief to purchase an all-electric fire apparatus, not the chief who bought the department's last internal combustion engine
‘Yesterday’s crazy is today’s obvious’: Electric apparatus in the fire service
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Having seen the units in person, it’s time to address some common naysayer reactions
Your top electric vehicles questions, answered
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As the automotive industry revs its engines for EVs, questions remain for some fire service leaders