Scanner enthusiasts do pretty well will the FESA radio network as they're quite prescriptive over the air. You'll hear calls like 'Perth first pump turning out to car on fire, corner of Adelaide Terrace and Plain Street' and the like.
The fire officers call back to 6AR on arrival with a quick appraisal of the situation: '44' for no fire (hoax call or alarm only) '66' for a small fire' or '88' for a big fire. These might seem nebulous but they will often subsequently call in details of the incident being 'first alarm, 'second alarm' and so on depending on the amount of resources required on the scene.
Then there's the jargon used for the 'appliances' (what most of us call fire engines!). You'll hear mentions of 'HP' (hydraulic platform), 'ET' (emergency tender), 'BACU' (breathing apparatus control unit), 'MCU' (mobile control unit) and the list goes on.
If anyone's got more information on the FESA terminology, I hope they'll share it!
FIRE!!!
Moderator: bogged
44 doesnt generally mean its a hoax, sumtimes it was a fire but its only smouldering and pretty much out, and they just cant see it.
44 investigating - at the place but cant see it, there looking for it
66- 1st alarm- our brigade can handle it
2nd alarm- need another brigade
3rd alarm- need two other brigades
4th alarm- its big and requires brigades from other regions
88- holly shit!!!
JG103
44 investigating - at the place but cant see it, there looking for it
66- 1st alarm- our brigade can handle it
2nd alarm- need another brigade
3rd alarm- need two other brigades
4th alarm- its big and requires brigades from other regions
88- holly shit!!!
JG103