MAYNARD — Chief Angela Lawless and the Maynard Fire Department are pleased to share this week’s station feature: ‘apron.’
The Maynard Fire Department is equipped with an ‘apron’, which is the term used by firefighters to describe the platform where apparatus pulls in and out of the station for fire related responses.
However, Maynard Fire’s apron has more than meets the eye.
The apron has a system comprised of tubes filled with the organic compound glycol that is used as an antifreeze. The system is activated by outside temperature, and when the apron registers below-freezing temperatures, there is a sensor that activates the system that will warm up the apron to just above freezing.
While it is not meant to melt all the snow, the apron is designed to ensure there is no ice on the platform that may cause a delay in response, reduce risk of injury to firefighters and reduce damage to the apparatus.
The recent storm, the first sizable storm since moving into the station, tested the apron’s ability to keep up with the snow, ice and changing weather conditions. The apron performed exactly as it was designed and was able to keep the platform clear.
“The apron, while subtle, is a key factor to our apparatus entrance and how we operate when we respond to calls,” said Chief Lawless. “The apron system allows us to limit ice and snow onto our platform. This is an alternative to salting, as it can lead to extensive cleanup and damage to the platform. The glycol system allows our firefighters to respond in a safer way so we can assist the needs of our community more effectively.”
To schedule a tour of the station, please contact the Maynard Fire Department at 978-897-1014.
###