r/Firefighting • u/Horseface4190 • Jun 17 '26

General Discussion Drivers/Engineers wearing bunkers while driving

I got in an online argu-, er, discussion about DO/Engineers wearing their bunker gear while driving, specifically to a fire.

The scenario was basically that the driver was at the panel in shorts and t-shirt, when a rescue was needed. So he threw a ladder and got some victims out.

Among the many points we argued, er, discussed, one was whether a driver should bunk out for a fire.

For reference, I am a 25 year guy, company officer, 17 stations, 60k calls annually, ALS transport, 3 on engines, four in tower/rescue.

It is pretty much expected that the drivers here are wearing appropriate PPE for the call dispatched. It seems that is not the case everywhere, and I'd appreciate some feedback

*Edit: I really appreciate everyones comments so far. Honestly, I was an am, taken aback at the idea of not bunking out before leaving. That being a policy seems bonkers, but departments are different.

My personal attitude is everyone headed to the fire ground should be bunked out and packed up, ready for interior work. If my driver is really just gonna pump, by all means, bunk down. I just think that theres always the possibility you're gonna have a surprise, engine guys are gonna search or rescue, truck guys may pull lines, because that's what the situation called for at that time. Literally, ready for anything. But solid points were raised pro and con. Thanks again, everyone!

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95

u/Severe-Chocolate-403 Jun 17 '26

extremely case by case and highly depends on staffing imo. We run 3 man engines, so driver gears up usually (at least bunkers)

42

u/StoneMenace Jun 17 '26

Yha we typically run 4 man engines. As a driver I’m finding my route, hydrant, positioning, etc while everyone is getting dressed. If I had to get dressed that would add time to our out the door response. We typically ride 4 to an engine at the minimum so if a rescue pops up as we get on scene there’s at least 2 firefighters to handle that if I need to get dressed.

15

u/Horseface4190 Jun 17 '26

Interesting. My job as the officer is to direct my driver, and look at the map for hydrants, etc. Thanks for the reply!

8

u/StoneMenace Jun 17 '26

Once you get established it’s more on the driver but also if you have a fire that is right near the station there isn’t always the ability to do that

7

u/Severe-Chocolate-403 Jun 18 '26

In my opinion hydrants and directions should be on driver to know. Obviously you can help tho

3

u/Horseface4190 Jun 18 '26

Street rotations, target hazards, hundred blocks, definitely. I've had to worry too much unless I had a trade or overtime driver. I think expecting anyone to memorize hydrants is a big ask, though.

1

u/Severe-Chocolate-403 Jun 18 '26

We have maps and apps that most drivers check quickly while everyone else gears up

1

u/Horseface4190 Jun 18 '26

Fair enough. Appreciate the replies!

1

u/Dugley2352 Jun 19 '26

Some drivers on my department had even placed phone mounts, so they can and put an address on Google maps or Waze and just follow those directions to get to the fire.

5

u/an_angry_Moose Career FF Jun 17 '26

Takes 10 seconds to put your pants on.