Tower ladders during war years

[10-75K]

If FDNY did not have tower ladders during the war years could the fires during the war years been more destructive and did the FDNY purchased the tower ladder knowing how valuable they would become during the war years or realized during the war years they got the tower ladders just in time and became a valuable tool in combating arson rage.

 

[fdhistorian]

In 1964, the first tower ladder was acquired for evaluation.
In 1966, a second tower ladder was acquired.
Four more were acquired in 1969, now being deployed in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.
With a decision to have a tower ladder available at every working fire, 59 ladder companies received tower ladders between 1971 and 1974.

 

[DaveReinstein]

If FDNY did not have tower ladders during the war years could the fires during the war years been more destructive and did the FDNY purchased the tower ladder knowing how valuable they would become during the war years or realized during the war years they got the tower ladders just in time and became a valuable tool in combating arson rage.

Like FDHistorian said they had them in the mid 60’s. If you go back and read the WNYF’s in the mid 60’s and newer, lots of special calls for towerladders.back then. Some fires they would have 105 head up into Manhattan and things like that.

 

[entropychaser]

To quote a friend in 14 Truck (the second tower ladder) in the late 60's: "At 4:00 am we'd be working at a row of houses in the Rockaways, by 7:00am we'd be at a job in Midtown. It was great!".

 

[AuxWarYearsCapt]

The big difference was they both have a common issue. Either way both the Bronx and Queens had there share of Tower Ladders put to work. In the Bronx there were the 5 or 6 story walk ups and taxpayers. In Queens they have mostly 2 story frames along with taxpayers and as we speak many hi rise...lefreak...North shore and allot more near the quarters of R 4 & E 292. The buildings are going up very quickly and there's allot almost complete. This all comes down to the war years saying... SURROUND & DROWN

 

[nfd2004]

Tower Ladders were also used to remove occupants from windows and roofs. The occupant could be brought safely to the ground without climbing down an aerial ladder.

They could be used to vent several windows by sweeping the bucket across and down within reach of the bucket

They were also used to bring members and heavy equipment up to the roof area without the need of carrying that equipment up an aerial ladder

They were also used in some cases of pitched roofs to provide ventilation. The member could remain safely in the bucket as a cut was made in that roof

They could set the bucket just below the window sill and aim the stream up, hitting the ceiling from below, having a very good effect on cooling and knocking down the fire.
Then move the bucket to the next window and do the same

I understand they were also used in cases of below grade rescue

I believe (?) there is a "Ladders" City Wide Circular solely dedicated to the use of Tower Ladders

 

[mack]

To quote a friend in 14 Truck (the second tower ladder) in the late 60's: "At 4:00 am we'd be working at a row of houses in the Rockaways, by 7:00am we'd be at a job in Midtown. It was great!".

 

[entropychaser]

View attachment 20091

I like the hurricane window treatment.

 

[Bulldog]

I like the hurricane window treatment.

There actually were not windows there, they were just openings with the netting across them to keep people from falling out!

 

[1261Truckie]

Or to keep bottles and bricks from flying in.

 

[*******]

Unfortunately though the fire bugs adapted to the use of tower ladders by setting their fires in the rear of the buildings.

 

[TLTruckie]

Damm ….all the steady chauffeurs most have been a little hard of hearing with the air horn mounted right by his left ear like that !

 

[Lt. Q]

WHAAAT!