SFFDGear.com

A Recent Newsletter

 

Good Evening Friends!
 
Sunday night is upon us again!  As is usual in this late spring / early summer, things are very quiet in the SFFD world, and indeed in the SFFDGear.com world!  Like everything else, it all works out!  No orders have come in during the last few days, which left me room to assemble and test a most complex and unique alarm system.  Not to worry - the system installs on Tuesday morning - and the order fulfillment bench will be clean, clear, and ready for your orders on Tuesday afternoon!   www.SFFDGear.com
 
Cat up a tree, Department (revisited):  OK, so this has nothing to do with a cat up a tree, and no Fire Department personnel were involved - but it IS an interesting variation on a theme!  Bear up a tree, BY a cat!  http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/06/10/picture_of_the_4.php
 
Back to Basics, Department:  I was recently reminded that not EVERYONE understands the lingo of the Fire Department.  So, tonight - as a public service - let me introduce you to some basic definitions.  Some are San Francisco only terms, and I'll indicate what I believe to be those with (SF).   I may have accidentally introduced a little humor, so be prepared!  You folks "In the know", please be patient, correct me for any inaccuracies, and know I'm only about 1/2 way through tonight.  I'll finish next Sunday night!
 
Apparatus:  All Firefighting equipment, including vehicles.  The garage in the Firehouse where the vehicles are kept is called the "apparatus floor".
 
Engine:  Think wet.  An Engine carries water, hose and a pump.  Maybe a few ladders, but getting things wet is their main purpose.  Not to be confused with "motor", which is what propels "apparatus" around.  Confusing an Engine with a Truck is a Major Faux Pas.
 
Truck:  Think 'go high and/or break things'.  A truck is distinguished by it's large telescoping ladder and carries many tools used to break things open - from walls to cars.   (SF): 'Truckies' helmets are painted red and white.  Confusing a Truck for an Engine is a Major Faux Pas.
 
Doubt:  If in doubt, you can never go wrong calling a Fire Department vehicle "apparatus" - unless it's a "Buggy".  See below. 
 
Chief:  The boss of the fireground.  There are Battalion Chiefs, then Division Chiefs then Department Chiefs.  The Chief wears a white helmet.
 
First name basis:  The basis you can earn if a Chief likes you.  Here's how it works:  The Chief will address you by your first name.  You respond in kind, using their first name, which is ALWAYS (pay attention now): "CHIEF".
 
Buggy: (SF)  ANY vehicle used to transport a Chief.  Left over from the horse and buggy days.  Nowadays used to describe a car or SUV carrying a chief - however, if a Chief were to arrive on a unicycle, that would be a buggy, too.  (If you see that happen, send me a picture).
 
Quint:  A combination Engine and Truck - built just to keep things confusing.  They didn't work well in San Francisco - they kept getting stuck going up the hills - which is why there are none in San Francisco proper.  There is one at the airport, where the topography is FLAT!
 
Hydrant: Any device used to supply water for fire operations.  Also handy in supplementing municipal revenue, from those folks that park in front of them!
 
Hydrant, Low Pressure: (SF)  Slim, white hydrants connected to the same water pipes you and I drink from.  Opening them on a hot day for a shower is discouraged.
 
Hydrant, High Pressure: (SF)  Squat hydrants with either red, blue or black tops.  These are connected to special tanks on top of three hills, and can have pressures of up to 325 psi.  The water is old, may be recycled sewage, or even salt water in an emergency.   Showering from one of these is REALLY discouraged, would be disgusting, and you would likely be blasted several blocks away!
 
Hydrant, Static: (SF)  Green hydrants indicating water at no pressure.  Connected to lakes, ponds, storage reservoirs or the bay.  For example, the line of green hydrants on Fulton Street are connected to Stow Lake.  No shower potential at all.
 
Cistern: (SF) A tank of water, hidden beneath intersections for firefighting.  Marked with a green topped hydrant, a cover marked with the word "Cistern" and /or - sometimes - a ring of bricks.    The latter are particularly useful, because we explain them to visitors as "Old Cable Car turnarounds".  Great local humor!
 
Well, that's all I'm going to pummel you with tonight!  I hope you enjoyed my combination of truth and a little mirth!  I really hope so, because - IT CONTINUES NEXT WEEK!