In early June of 2005 Fairfield Fire and EMS will be accepting delivery of a 2005 KME engine. Costing nearly $365,000 fully equipped and with over a year of research and specification determination, this unit will be replacing 27 year-old engine.

The high cost of this engine is in part due to the inclusion of a new technology, a Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS). This will be the first engine in Adams County with this system. CAFS uses water, a foam concentrate, and compressed air to form a foam mixture in the hoseline. This allows several advantages over using just water. First, CAFS essentially expands the functional water supply, less water is used per minute and increases its effectiveness during fire suppression. This is crucial for two reasons, one is the rural nature of our response area with the lack of hydrants and second, with fewer active members, it allows a smaller well trained crew to hold the extension of a fire until help arrives. Secondly, CAFS allows for quicker suppression of a fire while using less water. This means less fire damage and less water damage from the suppression efforts. Finally, with the introduction of the air-foam mixture, the hoseline is lighter, reducing firefighter fatigue in maneuvering the line while increasing their effectiveness.

Many small specifications, such as intake and discharge locations, compartment styles, and interior cabin components, make this a unique piece of apparatus. The pre-connected hoselines were designed with volunteer staffing in mind, enabling smaller crews to attack and hold larger fires.

Fairfield Fire and EMS has always taken a proactive approach in the field of fire, rescue, and the Emergency Medical Services and this new engine is yet another example. From our aggressive training initiatives, to our health and safety program, we do our best to think ahead of the curve. We are looking forward to adding this resource to our own community and to those to which we provide mutual aid.

Please contact us for more information at pr@fairfieldfire-ems.org.

Solicitation Letter