Fire Department

The Old Tappan Fire Department operates with four pieces of firefighting apparatus and a recue boat and trailer. The apparatus and their mission are as follows:.

• Engine 64: is the First Due Engine to all structure fires, it establishes a water supply through the use of a 5 inch diameter supply line and then stretches a hand-line (either 1 3/4 inch of 2 1/2 inch) into the fire building to extinguish a fire. Additional lines may be stretched from Engine 64 as it has a pumping capacity of 1,750 gallon per minute.
• Ladder Tower 63: is the Department's newest piece of apparatus, acquired in December 2016, it responds as the First Due Ladder to all structure fires. The men of the Ladder apparatus perform the fire-ground tasks of Forcible Entry, Search & Rescue, Laddering, Ventilation and Overhaul. They work with portable ground ladders, hand tools, power tools and the Ladder Tower 63's 100 foot aerial bucket.
• Rescue 61: is the Department's special equipment apparatus. It carries the Hurst Tool system (aka Jaws of Life), a powerful on-board electrical generator, and equipment to deal with Hazardous Materials incidents. It responds to all motor vehicle fires and accidents. At structure fires the men of Rescue 61 act as a Second Due Ladder by assisting and reinforcing the efforts of the crew of Ladder Tower 63.Marine 69: is the Department's motor boat mounted on a trailer. It is equipped for water rescue and ice rescue operations.

Q. How do I test my smoke detector?

A. Every smoke detector has a test button usually near the center of the detector. Press and hold the button for a few seconds. If the detector is working correctly the alarm will sound for a few seconds and then reset. Remember to replace batteries every six months (when we change our clocks is a good reminder) and be certain that the detector is free of dust and debris as this could give a false reading. Every level of your home should have a detector in good working order with special attention to areas where you sleep.  Follow manufacturers instructions.

 
Q. Does the Old Tappan Vol. Fire Dept. fill or empty pools?

A. No.

Q. Why do so many apparatus respond for what appear to be simple incidents?

A. The Old Tappan Fire Dept. is dispatched according to information received from 9-1-1 operators.  Firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst case scenario. Discovering that we need more units once we have arrived at a scene could often lead to loss of life or property. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help than not enough. Some of Old Tappan's most devastating fires originated as an activated alarm.  A structure fire requires a number of people to do all of the assigned tasks. Firefighter teams are assigned to certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety and accountability and rapid intervention in the event a firefighter becomes trapped or injured.