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All Charlotte companies (Engines, Ladders and Rescues) have a minimum staffing of 4. Charlotte has set up their engines and ladders so they can operating almost interchangeably. In two company stations (an engine and a ladder), calls that only require a single company are assigned on an alternating basis, so ladders need to be able to extinguish fires (such as car or dumpster fire). Many of Charlotte's two company stations became two company stations because of call volume. For example, one reason Ladder 20 will go in service sometime this year, is that E20 has been running 4000+ calls a year. FYI, the rescue companies do not alternate calls, although they do pick up assignments if the engine is busy. MVCs without entrapment is a single company response, so it can be either an engine or ladder. Entrapment protocol adds a ladder and a Rescue. Assignments become a little more "traditional" on structures, although it is not unusual to hear engine companies assigned to vent or ladders on fire attack. As I pointed out in the video, some of this may change in the coming years as the department has started diversifying their fleet, although I saw that the TDAs on order will still have a pump and water, which is kind of unique for tillers. I hope that helps.

I did one on Charlotte's Tankers a few months ago (czcams.com/video/96f1-UT8NsE/video.html). The other specialty rigs are on the list, but that ist is getting really long, so I don't know exactly when that will happen.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 Thank you! Sorry I Thought you did one but I couldn't find it when I looked.

Yes. They have an interesting history and nice fleet, so they would be a good topic(s). Im just not sure when I will get to it. But I literally have a list on my desk of future topics, and they are on it.

I totally understand, but in today's world, the only constant is change. I am actually working on a video about all the 'defunct' departments in Mecklenburg county. Right, now, the challenge is finding some images i can use for the video.

I totally get the personal preferences. I am old enough that I prefer Mack C and CF apparatus. But as a photographer, today my preferences are all about looks, which has nothing to do with functionality. My concern is more about the lack of options today with all the manufacturers being bought up. We are getting to point where we have just a few large manufacturers. When any business grows and starts to 'lock up' the market, they run the risk of losing focus, quality and good customer service. I think that's one of the reasons we are seeing cities like Charlotte and Raleigh diversifying their fleets, its sends a message that the manufacturers still need to 'work' to get (and keep) their business.

Thanks. I am still going to do the longer videos, but I wanted add these shorts to keep the channel active and interesting.

They just recently started the construction of the new Station 6. I am not sure how long that will take, but I doubt E6 will go into service before its completed. They don't have room for the apparatus or crew at the current facility. A really optimistic guess would be next spring (2025).

I don't know off the top of my head, but I will see if I can get that info. Maybe even as another video.

From front to back the engines have 100' 1 3/4 bumper line w/ fog nozzle 1200' of 5" 600' dead loded 2 1/2 with either a gated wye or reducer 200' 1 3/4 preconnect w/ fog nozzle 200' 2 1/2 preconnect w/ smooth bore nozzle and some companies have either another 200' 1 3/4 preconnect, 250' 1 3/4 preconnect or a 300' 1 3/4 preconnect w/ fog nozzle 100' 1 3/4 apartment bundle w/ fog nozzle They also carry 200' of 2 1/2 in high rise packs in a side compartment w/ a smooth bore nozzle. Generally in the compartments above the hose bed is a: 10' Attic ladder, pike poles, backboard, a water key, squeegees,and a broom. The ladder complement is: 1 40' foot extension ladder 2 16' roof ladders 1 28' extension ladder Small edit currently Engines 1, 4, and 5 have a small complement of 3" high pressure hose.

Thanks a bunch for the info.

Engine 65 is counted as an engine company. Just like a normal two piece house (engine/ ladder), they rotate calls. If there is a box in their first due, they both will go and whoever gets there first (tends to be whoever pulls out of the bays first), usually is the first arriving Engine on scene and they’ll be command until they pass it off to the Battalion Chief. If Station 42 is the 3rd due engine on a box, it’ll be either 42 or 65 depending who ran the last call (if 42 was assigned on the previous call, 65 would be added to the house fire box). If Station 42 is the 2nd due station, then more than likely both 42 and 65 will get assigned. Charlotte flip flops calls to reduce wear and tear on their apparatus.

@@charlottefirebuffing6723 that makes since thanks for letting me know I love your channel as well!🚒👨‍🚒⭐️

I have had a couple of request for Salisbury. It is definitely on the list now.

Hmmm, you may be correct. I let You Tube pick the thumbnail, perhaps i will change it.

Great suggestion! I have a couple of other departments in the works, but Ill add that one to the list.

👍

Yes they do. I have discussed that and will talk more about it in a couple of upcoming videos.

Yeah, I have been waiting for the new station response map. I am assuming it will update the battalions.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 OK cool deal thanks so much for letting me know! As you know by now, I really appreciate the effort you put into your channel and your video content. Keep up the great work.!⭐️🚒👨‍🚒🇺🇸

Thanks a lot 😊

I believe the BC is running out of Station 2 currently, but I am not sure about the Safety Officer.

Thanks

Thanks. The charlotte apparatus video is in the works.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 awesome thanks so much! I look forward to seeing it!⭐️🚒👨‍🚒🇺🇸

I don't have any plans to go that far south, but that doesnt mean I wont, just no plans yet.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 well nevertheless I enjoy your insights on cfd and surrounding departments…Look forward to your upcoming work!

I have a video on Charlotte's "standard" engines and ladders in progress. You should see it soon. And the City did approved three new ladders for the coming fiscal year, one for the new station 45, as well as one at 20 and 17. 17 is supposed to eventually get a tower. I'm still working on a bunch of other videos.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 cool deal sounds good buddy thanks so much for all your awesome content keep up the great work!🇺🇸⭐️🚒👨‍🚒

Thanks. Glad you like them. CFD is a great department and really growing. Lots of opportunity in the future for people interested.

@@junkdrawerfishing you should definitely apply when your ready! They are always looking for great people! You should visit some stations sometime their firefighters are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. They also have a great CZcams channel for the department just search Charlotte Fire Department their channel emblem is their patch.👨‍🚒🚒Best of luck to you!

Pierces are gorgeous and nice when they are brand new. Our problem in my full time department is the Cummins engines. So many problems. We have 14 pierce engines, 4 pierce aerials, 3 pierce rescues. It is a struggle to keep them in service.

@@igotJesus88 We keep sending our CAT engines to Brazil for factory rebuilds and ship them to Ensenada. We send an enclosed truck to transport them back here. I agree about Cummins.

@@NormanSilver oh wow! I can’t imagine having to do that. The main reason we keep buying pierces is because we have spartan apparatus 15 min away. They do all the pierces warranty work. Also Cummins is local.

31 CAT 3406's still running strong.@@igotJesus88

I always appreciate the input, although I try to stay away from assessing the quality or picking a favorite. That is a recipe for starting a 'comment war'. Firemen have strong feelings about their apparatus. ;-)

I mean true their tallest building is like 5 story’s but still it holds a lot of tools and SCBA in that trailer so it’s for more mutual prepose.

Skip what numbers? I am not sure what you are asking. If you are asking about 11, its because they are assigned to Station 11. Company numbers are linked to the station number.

I am not sure. I know their response area has buildings and structures that are taller than a 100'. They also have large residences that are set well off the roadway.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 I started my firefighting career in 1980 and one thing I have learned over the decades is that the vast majority of tillers are acquired simply for the status symbol. And similar can be said for most large towers.

I could do one on Mooresville. I'll put it on the list.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

I am planning to do Salisbury Fire at some point down the road. I have been working on their history, but I will need some more images to create a decent video. But hopefully, I will get that way soon.

It is a question I get a lot and and I think a lot of folks were surprised when Charlotte announced that Pierce would be supplying 7 new engines, at least 1 TDA and 3 new rear-mount aerials (including a lot of people who work for CFD). I have never heard an 'official' reason or statement for the switch. I think its just part of the move to diversify their fleet. Until a couple of years ago, Charlotte had purchased identical engines and ladders from Smeal for about 20 years. And even before that, they were purchasing standard apparatus that were set up so they could function in either role. Ladders had water/foam tanks and hoses and the engines had 40' ground ladders and in some cases, extrication equipment. The first fleet change was the addition of mid-mount platforms. They just put their fourth platform in service and have plans for a 5th (they are Smeal platforms). Then came the tillers and hazmat support engines. I think (and it is just my opinion) that the department leadership had decided to move towards specialization with their apparatus and away from rigid standardization. The department has seen some significant changes over the last couple of years beyond just its apparatus. I also think the brand change (for a lot of departments including Charlotte) is in responses to loss of competition in the apparatus industry, which has lead to big price increases. Big department's selecting a new supplier is just a way to let their current suppliers know that need to stay focused on quality, service and price if they want to keep their business. FYI, Raleigh NC FD (a long time Pierce customer) just order some Spartan/Smeal engines. I know everyone has their preference, but I am not sure any brand is that much better than another (<-- that should get some strong responses). The best way to keep the price reasonable is to have manufacturers continue to try and out bid their competition and not just 'count on' their big city customers 'automatically' purchases the same manufacturer. Once again, that is just my opinion. Thanks for the support and this might be a good topic for another video. Like my photography videos, I have found that when you start talking about brands, people really have strong opinions.

Definitely planning on stations 5, 6, 7 and 8. The older stations require a lot more work, but they are interesting. Several others are in the planning phase too.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 sounds awesome. I’m sure I will be very pleased with what you can come up with.! Thanks again for your commitment. It is truly refreshing.

Thanks. These are fun to do, although they are more work to make than I originally thought they would be. More to come.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 yes sir definitely I understand. That being said, I appreciate your level of detail in each video and don’t let it deter you from your effort in the series. I have always appreciated your channel and this series is of particular interest and one of my favorites. I definitely didn’t realize ladder 15 had served that recently at station 15. very interesting history.. I still remember when engine 64 now engine 42 ran out of station eight. There was a few double engine companies in the 70s I believe and engine 64 was from the old station three if memory serves before it relocated to Monroe Road. The old station three closed when they opened the current station 18 in West Charlotte in 1970. I don’t know how many other stations you plan to do, but I would definitely be interested in learning about some of the older ones. If you don’t mind and can find the time. Regardless, I appreciate all the content you put out and the effort you put in to the channel! If I can be of any assistance, please let me know! I would definitely like to see Stations 8, 2, 16,18, 1, 24, 26 and 27 if possible. ⭐️🚒👨‍🚒 I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.! 🇺🇸😊

I will agree Charlotte Fire has an interesting history although it can take a bit to untangle. Initially, all the double engine companies stations adopted numbers in the 20s. When the department closed the old Station 3 in the Belmont community in 1971, they moved the engine co to nearby Station 8 as a kind of concession to the Belmont Community. The old E3 became Engine 24. At that point, Station 8 was then one of 5 stations with two engine companies. The Monroe Rd station got the second engine company from Station 1 (E20) when station 3 opened a few years later (it was part of the group that included stations 19 & 20). With the opening of a Station 20, all the second engine companies were renumbered from the 20s to the 60s, so E24 became Engine 64. But that sounds like material for another video...

I would definitely enjoy a video on that topic when you get the chance. Thanks so much. I still miss Chief Hannon he was one of my favorite public safety leaders for sure!⭐️

Thanks. I am not sure about time frame for communications. I have list of ideas, and that is on the list, but I am trying to come up with some photos/videos. I would like to get into communications and see if I can get their blessing on photographing and videoing their operation. I am working on that too.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 that sounds awesome thanks so much!⭐️🚒👨‍🚒

Deputy chief Winkles is over alarm and their superintendent is Bill but unfortunately I don’t know his last name he’s fairly new to the position

I Agree. I think the key is knowing what your camera can (and cannot) do when it comes to your photography needs. And if you NEED a full frame camera, by all means - get one. But I am an advocate for spending your money wisely and getting what you need, not what you (or someone else) thinks you want.

D810 is a sweet camera. My last full frame one too. I moved to MFT, then abandoned photography 😂

That's kinda of sad ending. Hopefully it wasn't a crop sensor that drove you away from photography.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 no, I was very happy with my OM-D EM5 II. This hobby just ran its course for me. Carrying any extra amount of gear became a hassle. I have a good camera in my phone, and photography is mostly about the composition anyway.

But not more light per unit of area. The image projected onto a full-frame sensor is no brighter than a crop sensor. If the sensors are the same resolution, the individual pixel cells can be larger on a full-frame camera and thus each pixel can absorb more light. But we're seeing these super high resolution full frame sensors that get 45-60 + mp which isn't really much better than 20-30 mp crop sensors. The main advantage is that you get more detail from enlarging a larger source image. This is why larger film formats were preferred. But in the film days, it was much easier to compare film sizes because the film stock was the same. It would be easier to compare full frame and apsc sensors if they were all cut from the same sensor material and all had identical optical, electrical, and mechanical properties (ie, the same photo cell size and density).

I admit the full size sensors may have a technical advantage over APS-C sensors, but I think your Camry analogy is right on. I would like a Corvette too, but the reality is I would probably never drive even close to its full capabilities. So if I am not going to use the cars capabilities, I might as well stick with my Camry (and FYI, I do drive a Camry).

Yes, it can gather more light, however the light normalized by the size will be identical. There are two things that make Full Frame better, in my books. 1. Typically, you get higher speced sensors and lenses. If you compare Sony Full Frame and APS-C lenses, the FF lenses are of higher quality. Ok, you can mount them to an APS-C body but then you lose compactness. 2. I am mainly into landscapes and cityscapes. On a cropped sensor camera, it is often hard to find lenses that are wide enough. On the other hand, the negatives can be positives for you. With cropped sensor cameras, you can save money and space and if you are, e.g., into bird photography, you get a closer reach.

Folks need to remember that the 'crop factor' of APS-C lenses impacts the length AND aperture. That means an APS-C 50 mm f2 lens is more like 75mm f3 lens. Longer reach, but smaller aperture. So its pretty difficult for an APC-S to compete with a full frame f2-ish lens on that level. I would also agree that both Nikon and Sony APS-C lenses may not be the greatest because they have an incentive to drive you towards their full frame cameras and lenses. That's not the case for Fujifilm. Fuji glass is excellent and their lenses come in three qualities, good (XC), better (XF) and best (XF Red Badge) and they are all 'reasonably priced'.

@@wgkpublicsafetyimages9153 That's not completely accurate. I get where you're coming from, but no, technically a smaller sensor (and cropping a large image down) doesn't affect the focal length or the aperture. The properties of the lens haven't changed, only the area recording the image from it. Now, I get that there are adjustments to be made in order to get similar framing, and its these adjustments that have us taking into account our smaller sensor size when choosing focal lenths, and that shorter focal lengths and/or changing the distance to our subject affects depth of field. We really need to get out of this comparison mindset and just accept that lenses are what they are and describe their inherent optical properties as is and simply learn to feel them on different sized sensors. Because whether you're on APS-c or 35mm format, f/2 is f/2 and your exposure is the same regardless.

.... or "real photographers" only use prime lenses or shoot B&W, etc.. I remember getting a Nikon camera in the 1980s and thinking I had finally become a real photographer. Admittedly, it can be difficult to NOT get caught up in the hype for the latest and greatest thing.

Thanks. I get the attraction of the video and film sims with Fujifilm, it was important when I got my X-S10. But has i said, the film sims be came way less important has I used the camera. I don't think I wanted my new, high tech camera to give me photographs that look like ones i got in the 1980s with a film camera. But if you have the time, I found you can create your own sims or recipes to get jpegs straight from the camera that look like I want them to lok. But the post production processing is still my preference. As for videos, I use my iPhone a lot. I even bought a little hot shoe iPhone mount so I can video on my phone while taking photographs if i want.