What’s it Like to Drive a 410HP Fire Truck?
For Cars, Movies and Cool… it’s Fireball Tim!
I’m super excited to bring you this one, folks. As I was perusing possibilities for this week’s Ride, we were all set to vlog an episode Malibu Engine 70 driver, Joe Segreto. Right then and there it dawned on me that Joe and his 410-horsepower KME Predator fire engine were perfect candidates.
So, may I present to you some serious Malibu awesomeness?
As we took a ride up through Malibu with Joe and his team of fire fighters during the shoot, I was humbled to experience just how humble these guys actually were. They’ve seen things that most of us would cringe at. But as with most firemen I’ve met, they were not only the nicest guys on the planet but a hoot to be around. And who wouldn’t be, driving this Caterpillar powered behemoth.
With an air-to-air turbo and at 893 cubic inches, the Predator weighs in at just over 42,000 pounds. And that’s without equipment, baby. The motor is also equipped with a road and main pump that are both made by Hale. That means that it sprays some serious water.
“This engine is everything to our team,” Segreto said. “It gets us to and from all of our calls. On fires with the main pump engaged, it has the capability to pump up to 1500 gallons per minute of water. On brush fires with the road pump engaged it can produce over 300-psi for long hose lays.”
The engine can receive water from multiple water sources, such as another engine, a hydrant or it can draft from a pool or lake if needed. That’s the cool part. It also is their shield on accidents. Ok, maybe that’s the cool part, too.
There isn’t just one function that this fire engine is primarily used for. It has multiple functions that are used in every unique situation that these boys get themselves into. It’s an incredible machine.
“When I first came to Malibu I was not used to driving an engine around the area,” Segreto said. “We went up Rambla Pacifico and started traveling down some very narrow roads with the cliffs on my side and rocks on the captain’s side. I kept telling the captain that we would not fit, but he just laughed and said keep going. At one point, I thought we were going to go over. Never the less, we made it and he got a kick out of it.”
And what does Segreto think of being a fireman here in the Bu?
“Malibu is beautiful: the beaches and views are breathtaking,” Segreto said. “But, what I love most are the residents. They truly make us feel appreciated for the work that we do.”
Way to go, Malibuites. Engine 70 literally just drove by me with sirens blaring as I wrote this. Wow. Makes me feel proud and safe that someone’s out there fighting for what I love.
And in case you’re wondering what Joe’s favorite movie car is — and I know you are — that would be Corvette Summer.
“My father had a ‘72 vet with a blown 350 and that movie always reminded me of it. But runner-up would be Smokey and the Bandit.”
Congratulations, Joe! You and Malibu Fire Station 70 are this week’s Ride!
Some info on FIRE ENGINES from Wiki…
A fire engine (also known in some territories as a fire apparatus, fire truck, or fire appliance) is a vehicle designed primarily for firefighting operations. In addition, many fire departments/fire services often employ their vehicles for various other uses including emergency medical services and rescue purposes. The terms “fire engine” and “fire truck” are often used interchangeably but in North America represent different types of vehicles.
The primary purposes of a fire engine include transporting firefighters to an incident scene, providing water with which to fight a fire, and carrying other equipment needed by firefighters. A typical modern vehicle will carry tools for a wide range of firefighting and rescue tasks, with common equipment including ladders, a self-contained breathing apparatus, ventilating equipment, first aid kits, and hydraulic rescue tools.
Many fire vehicles are based on standard vehicle models (although some parts may be upgraded to cope with the demands of the vehicles’ usage). They are normally fitted with audible and visual warnings, as well as communication equipment such as two-way radios and mobile computer technology.
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Source: http://fireballtim.com/2017/03/27/whats-like-drive-410hp-fire-truck/
