Snow

A major blizzard hit Halifax January 3, so traveling around the streets was out of the question (for me). Even the city buses were parked. However plows were running and so were emergency vehicles.
By today the roads were miraculously clear, which made it much easier for ambulances and fire trucks.  Among them Engine 2, one of Halifax Regional Fire + Emergency Services' Spartan Metro Star/ Carl Thibault units delivered in 2011.

Earlier today I thought I heard a fire engine with tire chains, but by late morning when I saw this one it was making out just fine with conventional tires.

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HRM Fire [corrected]

An early morning fire in a convenience store in south end Halifax brought out the apparatus from the nearest station (Station 3, [2] University Avenue, also known as Morris Street by the old hands) and Engine 2 [3] from West Street.

1. Spartan Metro Star chassis and Carl Thibault pumper 11-528E  from the West Street University Ave Station serves Engine 2. It appears that it was the only one pumping.

2. Aerial 3 from West Street is this E-One/Bronto, 09-498P (P for platform). Fortunately the building was evacuated safely and the fire brought under control before it was needed.

3. 11-529E from University Ave [West Street] was also on scene. It is also a Spartan Metro Star/ Carl Thibault and operates as Engine 3.

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Roll out at Station 4

There was a roll out at Station 4 today as firefighters carried out some maintenance in the engine bays.
Station 4 has one engine company based there and its two other bays host a rotating selection of apparatus.
Spartan Metro Star/ Carl Thibault 11-530E is one of the newest engines in the Halifax Regional Municipality Fire + Emergency Service, part of the large order from 2011 and delivered in 2012. It is a rescue pumper, with a 1250 gpm pump and 500 gal booster tank.

The other two units seen today are amongst the oldest serviceable pieces of HRM apparatus, and all are in spare status. Engine 92-76E is a Spartan/Fort Garry, 1050 gpm pump / 600 gal booster. It has a rear access cab, and centre mounted controls.

Third visitor is Spare Quint, Emergency-One, 90-57Q. It has a 1050 gpm pump and 500 gal booster along with the 75 foot aerial ladder.

Next week there may be another selection of interesting units.

Station 4 is located on Duffus Street, and serves the far north-end of the Halifax peninsula.

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Metro Star for Halifax Regional

Following on our M for March theme, Halifax Regional Municipality Fire & Emergency Service has received its order of new rescue pumpers and at least two are now in service in my neighbourhood. Engine 2, based at the University Avenue station is the first of the order, and is numbered 11-528E.
1. Head on view of the new Engine 2 Metro Star cab.

2. Bumper load of noise, includes Federal Signal electronic siren, Federal turbine and air horns.

3. The Metro Star has a roomy cabin, with flat floor in the crew compartment.

4. The body has hinged doors, not the roll up type usually found on new engines. Also note the tire chain system, just ahead of the rear tires.

Built by Carl Thibault on a Spartan Metro Star chassis, it carries a 1250 gpm Watrous pump and 500 gallon tank and all the other gear required for its demanding job. Station 2 is the busiest in the Halifax Regional Municipality and this engine is called out many times a day.

One notable thing about this engine (and its three sisters, numbered 11-529E, 11-530E and 11-531E) is that it is the decibel winner! Featuring a typical electronic siren, a traditional turbine type Q-siren (really loud-123 decibels at 10 ft) and air horns (super loud) it can be heard above most urban din.

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