INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 646
SEMPER PRAESTO
“Always ready”
The services provided by Traverse City Fire Fighters Local 646 are wide-
ranging and diverse. We train and prepare for, as well as educate others in, all
aspects of Emergency Services ranging from Fire Suppression to installing Car
Seats properly. For the multitude of services we provide, we are required to
train a minimum of three hours per shift. Not to mention all the mandatory
training required by the Northwestern Medical Control Authority, Federal
Aviation Administration, Michigan Occupational Health and Safety
Administration and Insurance Services Organization. Most of our services
are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fire Suppression-This is our bread and butter, and the reason this
Department was established over 100 years ago. Firefighting is the most
physically and mentally demanding aspect of our service. We encounter
extremely toxic and hazardous conditions for which we must be well
equipped and well trained. The following are some of the tasks we engage
in while on the fire ground:
- Rescue. Our first responsibility is Life Safety, ensuring our citizens and their families have every chance to survive a tragic event. After the initial size-up we search for, and rescue any victims that may not have made it out of the structure. People may be located anywhere in the structure from the basement to the top floor. We have the equipment and training to rescue victims, wherever they may be.
- Initial Attack. After we are sure nobody is left in the building, we begin extinguishing the fire using hose lines ranging from 1 ¾ to 2 ½ inches in diameter and up to 200 feet long. Our Fire Engines are capable of pumping up to 1500 gallons of water per minute, as well as providing fire extinguishing foam. Initial fire attack should begin within 6-8 minutes of the start of the fire. This would give us the best possible chance to save the structure. We find the origin of the fire, contain it and extinguish it as soon as possible in an effort to conserve the property of our citizens.
- Overhaul. This is where we make sure the fire is completely out. We Additional Services:
Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction
Public Education/Fire Prevention
Child Safety Seat Installation
Traverse City Fire Fighters Local 646 is dedicated to the safety and well being of our citizens and their property. In order to provide the best service possible, we must maintain proficiency and certification. This is accomplished through rigorous training and education. All in an effort to be there when you need us, where you need us, always ready.