Fire Apparatus - Kuwait

I was really amazed at the lack of ladder trucks for such a large and modern city as Kuwait City. Super skyscrapers are everywhere and most buildings are taller than two stories. There are a couple of small ladder trucks, but large ladders are non-existant. It seems that a lot of the rolls that the fire department goes on are auto accidents. Be sure to check out the "HotShots" Kuwait page for images of some of the auto accidents I came across.

One thing that did not surprise me was the hospitality I received at several of the fire stations on a couple of shifts. The brotherhood is alive and well in Kuwait for visiting firefighters as myself. Many thanks and Enshalla I will be visiting again.

Last updated June 1, 2007

A standard MAN pumper. Dial "777" for emergencies and not "911".
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"B" Shift crew in downtown station.
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More of "B" Shift and visitors.
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Another MAN pumper near where my office is located.
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An International tanker. I was also surprised at the number of tankers even though hydrants are everywhere.
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One of the MAN tankers used throughout the Kuwait fire departments. This one even carries ladders
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A Scania pumper is found at the Salmiya South Fire Station near the City Center which is a big shopping complex. Pump controls are located at the rear, back of the truck and four attack lines can be attached for fighting fires. There are no hose lays on the trucks.
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The pump control panel for the Scania pumper pictured above. The hose reel above the control panel is used for car fires or other small fires.
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Assigned as a light rescue, this truck is equipped with a generator and all the Hurst tools needed for the numerous auto accidents they respond to. One of the operators told me they make on an average of 9 auto accidents per day.
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This is a 32 Meter (104') MAN ladder truck assigned to the Salmiya South fire station. The truck is compact and very lightweight making it great for those overcrowded streets with minimum clearance.
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An IVECO tanker made by EMPL of Austria serves its time at the Mangaf, Kuwait fire station located just off of Route 30, one of the busiest stations in all of Kuwait with auto accidents on 30 making up most of their runs. Thanks to B shift for the hospitality.
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A nice 32 Meter Mercedes Benz ladder truck assigned to the Fahaheel fire station south of Kuwait city. All the fire departments fall under the same command regardless of where they are in the State of Kuwait.
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I am in the highrise training tower as the captain and operator put the 32 Meter Metz ladder through its paces.
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Adding a whole new meaning to taking a smoke break as the "T"-Boy pours tea for one of Station 14's fire officers.
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1st Lieutenant Al-Shaffie in his turnout gear at Station 14.
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Fueling up two of Station 14's trucks at the local fuel station.
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