CFD-Blaze Unit Question

[bonus1331]

Was listening Friday afternoon when Charlotte Douglas had two emergency landings back to back.
Blaze units always mention listening to some frequency to monitor the planes condition prior to landing.
I would assume it would be the tower?
Does anyone know what frequency they monitor for pre-landing updates, and do the Blaze units carry an additional radio (Scanner?) to monitor or is there a way for the TRS to be patched with the frequency needed?
Thanks

 

[Newshound]

The blaze units have FAA radios to talk to the tower, which allows them to coordinate crossing the runways. The main tower frequency is 118.100. Blaze 5 is the CFD command unit at the airport, and they will usually be the relay unit to the tower for most radio traffic. I don't know if they will always get the updates on 118.100, but I have heard them on that frequency before. I monitor near the airport, and run out on Code 1's as often as they come during my shift. Also, if we are up in our helecopter, we will usually hear the updates on the FAA Tower frequency.
A side note, the Blaze units will normally work off of one CFD channel for operations, while the responding companies will use a separate channel to check enroute. Once on the scene, the engine and ladder companies will switch over to the ops channel.
I hope that helps.

 

[bonus1331]

Newhound,
Thanks for the information.
Interesting that they keep FAA radio's on fire apparatus.
I thought I had heard what sounded like the tower in the background while the blaze unit was transmitting to "alarm".

 

[Newshound]

During the "push" periods, the runways get very congested. It is sometimes difficult for the emergency equipment to cross the runways because of all the planes stacked up. The tower does a great job getting them in place while not disrupting the flow.

When there is something happening out there, the tower is also juggling sometimes as many as three TV helecopters and the police chopper trying to position for their responsibilities. That tower frequency can get real busy. My hat is off to those guys, they have an awsome responsibility and do it like it is part of a normal day.

 

[pboy]

Airport Vehicle Movement

Newhound,
Thanks for the information.
Interesting that they keep FAA radio's on fire apparatus.
I thought I had heard what sounded like the tower in the background while the blaze unit was transmitting to "alarm".

Anything on wheels that wants to cross active taxiways or runways is required to be in contact with tower control for instructions.

Even here at the much smaller Hickory Regional Airport similar operating procedure is in place when the tower is active.

Best to keep winged and wheeled on the same radio band in this regard.