Engines 2 and 4 are what are called “front line” apparatus. They are the trucks in daily use by our on-duty crews at Fire Headquarters. Both engines were funded by Town Meeting by funding a capital reserve account. They are 2018 E-One Typhoon’s carrying 770 gallons of water, capable of flowing 1,250 gallons per minute. They are equipped for full fire suppression operations, and also carry medical equipment and the tools we need to respond to motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents and a wide range of other emergencies.
Engine 5 is a 2013 KME Predator Panther capable of flowing 1,500 gallons a minute, with a tank capacity of 1,000 gallons. It is housed at our Linebrook Station (unstaffed) and also carries a full complement of tools for any emergency. It is primarily a reserve apparatus, but will operate in a front-line capacity anytime Engine 2 or 4 are out of service.
Protecting and serving a seaside community, the IFD often finds itself operating in open water on Marine 1. This boat can be launched from several sites around town for operations that include fighting boat fires, search and rescue and the containment of gas or oil. Marine 1 is a 2007 19’ Ribcraft center console with a 115 HP Yamaha outboard motor. It is equipped with a Garmin GPS with mapping and side scan sonar and a FLIR (Forward Looking Infared) camera.
Truck 1 is a 1997 KME 100’ foot rear-mount aerial ladder. It’s crucial for jobs ranging from rooftop operations at structure fires to high-angle rescue. It is scheduled to be replaced imminently.
Squad 1 is a 2006 Ford F-550 essential for operations in places where our larger vehicles can’t go. It carries 300 gallons of water, which it can flow at 250 gallons per minute, as well as a host of wildland firefighting equipment. It also carries the equipment we need for water and ice rescues.
Utility 1 is a 2007 John Deere Gator. Ipswich enjoys a bounty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Willowdale State Park alone offers more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. When someone on these trails is in need of emergency assistance, it is often this All-Terrain Vehicle that will deliver it and get them out. We can also use this in the woods for brush fires.