Town of Arbington
The Town of Arbington originated as a textile mill town in 1914 due to its riverfront location. The population of around 11,000 citizens now enjoys quaint views, a quiet historical district, and the calmness of open fields that formerly served as farms. Located throughout town are many of the old, historic New England style buildings that housed the patriots who helped build America as we know it today.
Presently, Arbington serves as a "Bedroom" type community for the busier urban areas of Washington Heights' downtown. The town in 37 square miles, 2 1/2 of which are water with the Ten-Mile River crossing through to the West. Arbington is also home to the scenic "Ashborne-Arbington Railroad", which runs through along the river banks before crossing over to the Town of Ashborne Mill, in addition to the "Three Slopes" ski resort in the Northern section.
The Arbington Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1920 after the original textile mill caught fire and burned to the ground due to lack of fire protection. On the night of February 23rd. the AVFD was born. A lot has changed since those early days, from the tactics and tools, to the apparatus. Annually, the fire department responds to 1,300 calls for service in and out of town. The department operates two fire stations, one located downtown known as Company 1, and one located near the ski resort up north known as Company 2. Company 1 houses Engine-Tank 138, Engine-Tank 3-38, Tanker 1-38, and Tower Ladder 1-38. Company 2 houses Engine-Tank 2-38 and Forestry 2-38.
Presently, Arbington serves as a "Bedroom" type community for the busier urban areas of Washington Heights' downtown. The town in 37 square miles, 2 1/2 of which are water with the Ten-Mile River crossing through to the West. Arbington is also home to the scenic "Ashborne-Arbington Railroad", which runs through along the river banks before crossing over to the Town of Ashborne Mill, in addition to the "Three Slopes" ski resort in the Northern section.
The Arbington Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1920 after the original textile mill caught fire and burned to the ground due to lack of fire protection. On the night of February 23rd. the AVFD was born. A lot has changed since those early days, from the tactics and tools, to the apparatus. Annually, the fire department responds to 1,300 calls for service in and out of town. The department operates two fire stations, one located downtown known as Company 1, and one located near the ski resort up north known as Company 2. Company 1 houses Engine-Tank 138, Engine-Tank 3-38, Tanker 1-38, and Tower Ladder 1-38. Company 2 houses Engine-Tank 2-38 and Forestry 2-38.
Engine-Tank 1-38
Engine-Tank 1-38 operates a 1990 Pierce Arrow six man pumper with a 1,500 gallon per minute Hale fire pump, a 1,000 gallon water tank, and 30 gallons of Class-A foam. This apparatus is third out for incidents from Station 1 and has the primary responsibility of fire and hazardous materials responses, carrying basic engine company equipment, hazardous materials detection and spill control equipment and BLS medical supplies.
Engine-Tank 2-38
Engine-Tank 2-38 responds out of Company 2 with a 1995 Pierce Dash 5 man pumper. This is the primary response vehicle out of Company 2 for all responses with the exception of wild land calls. ET 2-38 carries 1,000 gallons of water, 30 gallons of Class-A foam, and has a 1,750 gallon per minute top mount Hale fire pump. This apparatus carries the basic engine company equipment, hazardous materials detection and spill control equipment, a set of TNT cutters, spreaders, a ram, and associated cribbing, light rescue equipment, saws, and BLS medical supplies.
Engine-Tank 3-38
Engine-Tank 3-38 is a 2019 Pierce Arrow XT with a 1,500 GPM Hale pump, a 1,000 gallon water tank, and 60 gallons of Class-A foam. This rig carries the standard engine company equipment, a set of TNT cutters and spreaders, rams, and associated equipment, BLS medical equipment, and hazardous materials detection and spill control equipment. This unit is first due to all incidents out of the Company 1 station.
Tower Ladder 1-38
Three years ago, Arbington's aerial, a 1977 Duplex/Pirsch was red-line from service after a catastrophic failure in the aerial device. Recently, the department purchased this used 1991 Pierce Arrow 110' rear mount platform with a 1,250 gallon per minute pump and a 300 gallon water tank from a department down South. After deals, equipping, and training, it is finally in service as Tower Ladder 1-38. This rig responds third out from Station 1 on all fire responses.
Tank 1-38
Tank 1-38 operates this 1989 Pierce Lance Pumper-Tanker with a 2,500 gallon water tank and a 1,250 gallon per minute Hale fire pump. This rig carries a 3,000 gallon drop tank and is equipped with a 2,000 gallon per minute Newton quik-dump valve. Tank 1-38 is equipped with the standard engine company equipment, water supply equipment, and BLS medical gear.
Forestry 2-38
Forestry 2-38, quartered at the Company 2 fire station, is a 2006 Ford F350 Superduty 4x4 with body work done by Gowans Knight. This rig carries 250 gallons of water, has a 75 gallon per minute pump, and 15 gallons of Class-A foam. Primarily responding to wildland calls and EMS responses, Forestry 2-38 is also used for crew transportation and classes.