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The Work of a Fire Department
Firefighting. The two basic firefighting units in most fire departments are engine companies and ladder companies. Engine companies operate trucks called engines, which carry a pump and hoses for spraying water on a fire. Ladder companies use ladder trucks, which carry ladders of various lengths. Ladder trucks also have a hydraulically extendable ladder or elevating platform to rescue people through windows or to spray water from a raised position. Both kinds of trucks also have other rescue equipment and firefighting tools. At a fire, engine and ladder companies work together under the direction of an officer of the fire department. After an alarm is received, the engine and ladder companies hurry to the fire. They often arrive within a few minutes after receiving the alarm. The officer in command quickly sizes up the situation and directs the firefighters into action. Their first and most important task is to rescue people who may be trapped in the building. The members of the ladder company search for anyone who may be trapped. In some buildings, they use ladders to rescue people through windows. However, the ladders on most trucks extend up to only about eight stories. Firefighters use stairs or elevators to get to people trapped on floors above the reach of the ladders. Meanwhile, members of the engine company connect a hose from their pump to a nearby fire hydrant. They then stretch hose lines from the pump to the building on fire. Their first concern is to keep the flames from spreading. The firefighters direct water on the fire until it is out. They also spray water on any nearby buildings that are in danger of catching fire. Ladder company members ventilate the building to let out the smoke, heat, and gases that build up during a fire. They open or break windows and sometimes cut holes in the roof or walls. If the building were not ventilated, the heat and the pressure of the gases could cause an explosion. The ladder company also tries to save any furniture or other property not damaged by the fire. The members spread canvas or plastic covers over such property to prevent water damage. This process is called salvage. Finally, in a process called overhaul, the ladder company searches the building for hidden sparks that might cause another blaze. After the fire is out, the firefighters try to find out exactly where and how the fire started. The officer in charge makes out a report that gives all the important facts about the fire. The report includes information on injuries, the cause of the fire, and the estimated cost of repairing the damage. TEXT 2 Дата добавления: 2015-09-18 | Просмотры: 583 | Нарушение авторских прав |