Chapter 4. DEMOLITION OF FIRE TRUCK TO PREVENT ENEMY USE

CHAPTER 4

DEMOLITION OF FIRE TRUCK TO PREVENT ENEMY USE

138. Demolition by Explosives or Weapons Fire

136. General

Explosives. Place as many of the charges

When capture or abandonment of the fire truck to

an enemy is imminent, the responsible unit commander

shown on figure 71 as the situation permits and detonate

must make the decision either to destroy the equipment

them simultaneously with a detonating cord and suitable

or to render it inoperative. Based on this decision,

detonator.

orders are issued which cover the desired extent of

(1)

One 1/2-pound charge between the

destruction.

Whatever method of demolition is

generator and cylinder block.

employed, it is essential to destroy the same vital parts

of all fire trucks, and all corresponding repair parts.

(2)

One 1/2-pound charge between the

starting motor and flywheel housing.

137. Demolition to Render Equipment Inoperative

(3)

One 1/2-pound charge between fire

Mechanical Means. Use sledge hammers,

pump and primer pump.

crowbars, picks, axes, or other heavy tools that may be

available, together with the tools normally included with

(4)

One 1/2-pound charge on each hose

the fire truck, to destroy the following:

reel.

(1)

Engine accessories.

(5)

One 1/2-pound charge on water tank.

(2)

Fuel tank.

Weapons Fire. Fire on the fire truck with

the heaviest suitable weapons available.

(3)

Controls and instruments.

139. Other Demolition Methods

Note. The above steps are minimum

requirements for this method.

Scattering and Concealment. Remove all

easily accessible parts, such as fuel pump, fuel filters,

Misuse. Perform the following steps to

oil filter, air cleaner, and batteries. Scatter them through

render the fire truck inoperative.

dense foliage, bury them in the ground, or throw them in

a lake, stream, or other body of water.

(1)

Drain the engine crankcase.

Burning. Pack rags, clothing, or canvas

(2)

Throw sand, mud, and other foreign substances

around the engine, pump and control panels. Saturate

into the oil filter openings and engine crankcase.

this packing with gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel and ignite.

(3)

Drain the cooling system.

Submersion. Totally submerge the fire truck

(4)

Cut the drive belts.

in a body of water, if possible, to provide some water

damage and concealment. Salt water will do greater

(5)

Drain the water pump transmission.

damage to metal parts than fresh water.

(6)

Drain the primer pump oil tank.

140. Training

(7)

Throw dirt or sand into the radiator and fuel tank.

All operators should receive thorough training in

(8)

Operate the engine and fire pump at full speed

the destruction of the fire truck (FM 5-25). Simulated

until failure occurs.

destruction, using all of the methods listed above,

should be included in the operator training, that

Note. The above steps are minimum

demolition operations are usually necessitated by

requirements for this method.

TAGO 6839A