San Bernardino County Fire Department - Experts & Thought Leaders

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced the Big Bear, California Fire Department (Big Bear Fire Department ) has placed an order for three custom Pierce fire apparatus, including two Pierce Arrow XT 4x4 pumpers and an Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower with mid-mount configuration. The new fire apparatus purchase is part of a fleet upgrade and replacement initiative for the Big Bear Fire Department and was coordinated through authorized Pierce dealer, South Coast Fire Equipment, Inc. Pierce fire apparatus for Big Bear Fire Department Norman Dykesten, Big Bear Fire Department Captain, said “Due to economic challenges and a consolidation nearly 15 years ago, fire apparatus replacements were on hold, making upgrade and replacement initiatives a major priority in recent years.” The value and quality construction we received from Pierce within our available resources were immense" Norman Dykesten adds, “As we began the bid process, we appreciated South Coast Fire Equipment’s responsiveness and efforts to introduce configurations we didn’t know existed. The value and quality construction we received from Pierce within our available resources were immense, and we are confident the new fire apparatus will be exactly what we need, to continue serving our community.” Big Bear Fire Department’s new fire apparatus will feature: Pierce Arrow XT 4x4 Pumpers Arrow XT chassis 500-gallon water tank 1,500 gpm pump Cummins X12 engine Command Zone Multiplex Electronics Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower Arrow XT chassis Mid-mount configuration 300-gallon water tank 2,000 gpm pump Cummins X15 605 hp engine Integrated ground pads 20’ setback capacity 20-degree below grade operation TAK-4 T-3 Independent Suspension Big Bear Fire Department The Big Bear Fire Department operates out of four fire stations with 58 personnel The Big Bear Fire Department operates out of four fire stations with 58 personnel and responds to over 4,500 calls per year. The service area is a unique mix of rural, mountainous, and urban neighborhoods. The jurisdiction includes two resorts offering skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as mountain bike trails and golfing in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The population for this resort community can fluctuate from approximately 17,800 full-time residents to upwards of 250,000 on any given day or holiday weekend, depending on tourist activity. This creates an ever-evolving basis of fire suppression and ambulance needs, for which the Big Bear Fire Department must always be prepared. Big Bear Fire Department Captain, Norman Dykesten, adds “Although San Bernardino County Fire is able to provide immediate assistance should mutual aid become necessary, one of the biggest challenges that Big Bear Fire Department faces is significant additional resources are farther away. The next closest community is 25 miles from us. The commute on mountain highways makes accessibility to critical equipment particularly important for our crew.” Fire apparatus order includes Type 3 Model 34 Wildland vehicle The fire apparatus order is the first the Big Bear Fire Department has placed with South Coast Fire Equipment. Fleet upgrades also include the addition of a Type 3 Model 34 Wildland vehicle from Boise Mobile Equipment. “We enjoyed having the opportunity to share all of the advanced features Pierce offers to help the Big Bear Fire Department select apparatus to best fit their needs,” said Tim Olley, the Sales Representative at South Coast Fire Equipment. Tim Olley adds, “Our team looks forward to building our relationship and providing dedicated service support for many years to come.”

KME, a subsidiary of REV Group and a globally renowned manufacturer of fire apparatus, will display the latest in fire apparatus and technology, including the first North American-style fully electric fire truck, at FDIC International 2022 (Fire Department Instructors Conference), taking place in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, from April 28 to April 30, 2022. REV Fire Group’s Vector vehicle will make its debut at FDIC International 2022, giving attendees the opportunity to be among the first to see and learn about the first North American-style fully electric fire truck. Vector vehicle at FDIC International 2022 Developed with technology partner - Emergency One Group LTD – maker of the world’s first electric fire truck – Vector packs 316 kW of proven automotive-grade batteries, delivering the longest electric pumping duration in the industry. This enables fire departments to drive and pump on electric only. KME’s Booth #4500 will showcase five unique vehicles to meet multiple fire service needs. These include: 103-foot Tuff Truck from Pine Ridge Fire and Rescue, SC: Built on a KME SSX chassis, this rig features a 650-gallon water tank, a 1750 GPM pump, and KME’s EZ-MRS to help facilitate maintenance and keep the AerialCat Steel-Safe ladder in optimal condition. Heavy Walk-In Rescue from West Haverstraw Fire Department, NY: This truck has a four (4) compartment walk-in rescue body, crew seating for 8, an 8” front bumper extension and dual cribbing compartments under the body. Tractor-Drawn AerialCat with Steel-Safe technology from Summerville Fire Department, SC: This 101-foot TDA is built on a SSX chassis and features a pre-piped waterway, a -14’ outrigger stance, and 90-degree jack knife capability. 102’ Mid-Mount Platform from East Pennsboro Township Fire Department, PA: The spacious platform offers 22.8 cubic feet of space for four firefighters and equipment, as well as a state-of-the-art motion control system with 10” display at the control console. Custom 4X4 Pumper from San Bernardino County Fire Department, CA: This truck features the SSX chassis with 10” raised roof, a Zico single arm ladder rack, 1500 GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank with 30-gallon foam cell and FoamPro foam system. World of Innovation and Protection KME will also be part of REV Fire Group’s World of Innovation and Protection at Booth #4516, featuring some of the latest technological advancements for the fire service, including: GE DisinFx: Utilizes UVC and UVA technology to help reduce viruses in air and bacteria, and fungus on surfaces, including SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 infection. The small device can be easily installed into the cab headliner. Its white and red LED lights exceed NFPA surface illumination requirements, in order to provide the necessary cab interior lighting. ECO IDLE-TEC: The idle reduction system, specifically designed for fire apparatus, serves to reduce operating costs, and helps to protect the environment and improve driver safety and comfort. Active Air Purification System: Kills 99 percent of pathogens, including the virus that causes the COVID-19 infection, in the air and on surfaces. Latest in fire apparatus and technology on exhibit Kent Tyler, the President of REV Fire Group, said “We’ve got a great selection of apparatus that will be on display, each showcasing KME’s custom configurations based on the fire department’s specific requirements.” Kent Tyler adds, “We are excited about seeing our customers face-to-face in Indianapolis and talking about the latest in fire apparatus and technology.”

Big Bear Fire Department received a report of an aircraft down in a residential area at the corner of Meadow Lane and Nana Avenue in Big Bear City. Upon arrival at the scene, a single-engine plane was found to have crashed into a vacant lot. Fire crews observed a fire to the aircraft, nearby fence, and outbuilding that sustained minor damage. The pilot and passenger were pulled to safety by nearby bystanders. Bear Valley Electric crews Help restore power The victims sustained moderate to serious injuries and were airlifted to a trauma unit. The electricity in the neighborhood was knocked out by the plane crash. Bear Valley Electric crews were on the scene to restore power to the neighborhood.    Automatic aid assistance was received from San Bernardino County Fire Department-Fawnskin, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and California Highway Patrol.