The pressurized water fire extinguisher, also known as a PW or a "can". Gods little gift to the fire service. These are relatively new to us, we started carrying them about ten years ago. We used to carry CO2 and a dry chemical extinguisher, but as the CO2 was only used on mailbox fires, it was decided to drop the CO2 and carry the PW.
I was so impressed, I bought a couple for use at home. I use it to put out the campfire when camping and to break up fighting wiener dogs when necessary. It also comes in handy to squirt down spouses and kids when they become a little too lippy for their own good - especially on hot summer days. The best part is that all it takes is an air compressor and a garden hose to recharge them (do not recharge at home unless properly trained and equipped to recharge PW fire extinguishers;)
Here, a crew is using a can to do what it is designed for - attack a small rubbish fire. Some crews will grab a can when arriving on scene and going into investigation mode. A fully charged extinguisher will give you about 2.5 gallons of water. It doesn't sound like much, but a PW will put out a surprising amount of fire when used properly.
Although a PW does not take the place of a charged hose line, it will enable a crew to put something out while its small, and maybe hold something larger in check until a hose line gets deployed.
Obtaining PWs was a change for the good at the K.B.F.P.D. Besides, it gives the truckies something to call us when their superiority complex kicks in.
Thanks for reading,
Schmoe
Cap,
ReplyDeleteAt my job, the truckies are fan AND can bitches! Our truck companies operate as a 2 man interior team and the driver is the outside vent. The firefighter on the inside team takes a hook and the can.
I should say, "truck companies were fan and can bitches". We have lost both truck companies to budget cuts, so now we have an engine/quint. Tough to bust the Quint's balls when they're stuck going to EVERY fire call in the town PLUS their share of EMS.
I think I might have to get me one- especially for lippy spouses.
ReplyDeleteJohn - Sounds like the recession has hit you guys pretty hard, but there still has to be a way to bust the Quint's balls.
ReplyDeleteH.G. - It works well, but remember that paybacks are a bitch, especially with lippy spouses!