METUCHEN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Emergency Dial:  9-1-1

The Trucks

The apparatus of the Metuchen Fire Department are each designed to perform specific roles while operating at emergencies.  No one type of fire truck can do everything so vehicles must be equipment to best utilize their unique capabilities.  Firefighting is a true team activity and the team is only as good as the equipment it uses.

ENGINE 1

Engine 1 is the Metuchen Fire Departments “First Due Pumper” meaning that it is the first piece of apparatus to respond to almost all calls for assistance.  Equipped with everything needed to attack a fire, Engine 1 also carries a thermal imaging camera, gas meters, flashlights, air paks, assorted tools, ground ladders, emergency medical equipment, rescue rope and a variety of fire extinguishers.  Engine 1 is also equipped with a seventy (70) gallon foam tank which when mixed with water is used to fight flammable liquid fires such as those involving gasoline or diesel fuel.

ENGINE 2

Engine 2 is “Second Due” to all emergencies within the borough but is also the departments designated “Mutual Aid Engine”   This means anytime another community requests assistance from the Metuchen Fire Department, Engine 2 is the one that goes.  It carries all the same equipment as Engine 1 with a few additional items since it may be forced to operate out of town independently of the rest of the departments apparatus.

 

LADDER 5

Ladder 5 is the departments’ newest and most advanced piece of fire apparatus.  Ladder trucks must position themselves so that they can best utilize their aerial device to access windows and roofs of buildings for fire attack, ventilation and the rescue of victims.  Ladder 5 carries a wide variety of specialized equipment which makes it indispensable at structure fires and other emergencies.  A thermal imaging camera, air paks, flashlights, vehicle rescue tools, ventilation fans, power saws, rope rescue gear and numerous ground ladders all make up the vehicles inventory.  This new truck is also equipped with it’s own pump which means it no longer requires an Engine Company to be assigned to supply water for fire suppression duties.

One common misconception is that ladder trucks are only needed for accessing tall buildings, this is not necessarily true.  In communities like Metuchen, they are more often needed for their long reach.  Since many homes and structures are set back away from the road, the trucks 95’ aerial device is often needed to access the upper floors or roofs of these buildings.

 

RESCUE 3

Rescue 3 is also known as the departments “Rolling Toolbox” because of the wide variety of tools and equipment it carries.  Some of the many missions undertaken by this apparatus include but are not limited to; motor vehicle extrication, rope and confined space rescue, breathing air replenishment, incident command post, ventilation and firefighter rehab.  One of the most unique features of this truck is it’s 35’ mast equipped with four 1500 watt flood light used for illuminating emergency scenes at night.

 

ENGINE 4

Engine 4 is the departments oldest and most seasoned piece of apparatus.  At thirty seven (37) years old it is still a vital part of the departments operations but will most likely be replaced within the next two to three years.  When it was purchased in 1970, Engine 4 was originally designated Engine 47-1 and was one of two identical pumpers delivered at the same time.

CAR 1 (Fire Chief)

Car 1 is assigned to the Fire Chief for use as required.  Lights, radios, tools, personal protective equipment and emergency medical supplies make up the vehicles load out.  While firefighters respond to the station to man the apparatus, the Chief uses Car 1 to respond directly to the emergency to “size up” the situation and to assign incoming units to their responsibilities.

 

CAR 2 (Deputy Chief)

Car 2 is assigned to the Deputy Fire Chief and equipped similarly to Car 1.  During emergencies the Deputy Chief also responds directly to the scene and works with the Fire Chief to determine the best course of action to take and assists with the mitigation of the incident.

 

CAR 7 & 8

Cars 7 & 8 are former police units which have been turned over to the Fire Department and the Bureau of Fire Prevention.  Once painted and outfitted they are used to conduct fire inspections, used by members attending training and as support vehicles during emergencies.