Spanner Wrenches are the tool to use to tighten couplings on hoses (when they leak), loosen couplings when they won’t come undone, and to remove the covers of the intakes and discharges on the trucks. Commonly found on the sides and rear of ever firetruck.

The Hydrant Wrench fits the top nut on a hydrant and is used to turn the flow of water on and off. Generally it’s 16 turns to fully open/close a hydrant. The hydrant wrench also has a hook on the side that can be used like a spanner wrench.

The Halligan Bar is a great multi-tool and a favorite of many. It is used to pry, puncture, pound, twist, cut open, and remove barriers. This is 1/2 of a “Set of Irons”

The Pike Pole is used in structure fires most commonly. The one pictured here is the “short” 4’ pike pole. It is used to puncture and pull. You can insert this into a drywall ceiling easily, turn it 90 degrees and then pull that drywall ceiling down to gain access to the space above you.

A Pickhead Axe is a great tool for cutting and puncturing many surfaces. A great tool to use but don’t get it confused with its brother. That pick is a tool and a limitation at the same time. It’s great for creating a purchase point but does not pound/drive well.

A “Set of Irons” consists of a Flat Head Axe and a Halligan Bar. These two tools together work really well. You can cut, pound, pry, drive, wedge, puncture, and twist with these tools. The advantage here is that the back of the flathead axe can be used to drive the halligan bar.

Nothing truly notable here. It’s used to pound objects and can be used to break through brick and cinderblock walls.

This saw is primarily used to cut holes in shingles roofs. Always start your saw on the ground to ensure it is primed and ready, then turn it off while you access the roof, and then start it again when you are ready to use it. Always use gloves and face shield when operating this saw.

*Caution: This tool creates torque quickly and can be difficult to handle.

This is your normal gas-powered leaf blower but we use it as a tool to fight wild fires. It’s a great tool to cut a fire line which is when we remove the fuel (leaves, limbs, debris) from the path of a fire. This cuts the fire off and keeps it from spreading. The blower is often used first with a rake following behind to clear bigger limbs and objects.

The flapper (right hand) is poorly named. The flapper is used for fighting grass fires. You use it by placing it on the fire and slowly dragging it to smother the flame. No flapping.

The rake is a hard-metal, large tooth rake with no flex. It is used to cut and pull limbs, roots, and debris as you clear a fire break in a wooded area.

Your portable radio is your line of communication while responding to an emergency and also while operating on an emergency scene. We use digital channels while responding and talking to dispatch but we do NOT operate on digital channels while on scene. We utilize Utility/Operation channels like UTAC41D to communicate on scene. When using a radio hold it 4-6 inches from your mouth, speak clearly, and use plain language.

Dump Tanks are used to hold extra water as water is shuttled to fire scenes. Always set-up the dump tank so that the engine (pumper) can use it while also allowing your tankers to be able to refill the tank quickly and easily. Also, remember to set-up the dump tank with the dump valve on the downhill side to easily drain excess water during clean-up.

This oxygen/hydrogen compound is an essential part of being a successful firefighter and first responder. In all seriousness, staying hydrated on scene will keep you safe and allow you to perform better. Do your part and stay hydrated and don’t become another patient.

There are several different types of extinguishers make sure to choose the appropriate one. The one pictured here is a dry powder extinguisher. To use an extinguisher use the acronym PASS.

Pull the Pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep it across the base of the flame.

The gate valve (red piece connecting the hose to the hydrant) is used to control the flow of water. When you attach one hose to a hydrant you can attach a gate valve on the opposite side so that you can add a second hose at any time without having to shut off the hydrant. This allows for a more continuous supply of water on a fire scene.

A 6-in-1 screwdriver, wire cutters, carabiner, and two wedges. These tools are must haves for firefighters. Wedges to control doors, carabiner to quickly connect/create a harness, and the others are self explanatory.

This is an essential tool on a fire scene. Easily attaches to the front of your turnout coat and tends to have a long battery life.