Bologna, Italy (January 15, 2005) -- The oldest fire suppression service is bowing down to
financial constraints and has begun a recruitment campaign for volunteer personnel. The "Vigili del Fuoco," the Italian term for fire department, have decided to accept a limited number of volunteers per station as part of a plan that they hope will bolster personpower
during larger incidents.
In Italy, the fire service is nationalized, with regional command centers spread throughout the country. Unlike the US and Canada, stations are well distant from one another, with some response times approaching 30 minutes.
• Stations and Manning •
A typical village station is manned by 6 full-time firefighters (who work a 35-hour week), and are supported by two 18-year old military personnel. (In Italy, every 18 year old is conscripted into the service for one year, and teens can choose to serve in a specific branch of the service, including the fire department.)
A typical station is equipped with a "Pumpa" (Engine), a reserve pumper, a tanker, a light-duty rescue (for MVA's) and a 4x4 duty vehicle. There are no "truck companies" and aerial apparatus are only assigned in areas where a potential high rise risk exists. The aerials are manufactured by Magirus on a 2-man Iveco cab, and carry no ground ladders or other
support equipment.
During structural incidents, two of specially-trained firefighters don SCBA for rescue ONLY. They do not concur with the concept of interior attack! The SCBA Team members are known as "Smokedivers", and like SCUBA divers here in North America, require a special national certification. Attack lines are 1.5" with a smooth-bore nozzle and the typical supply line is 2.5 inches.
For those of you who've been there, Italy's climate and geography is much like Northern California, a lot like the Bay Area. Because little wood is used in construction, major structural fires are rare, however our Italian brother and sisters have the same wildland concerns as the folks in California. A separate wildland firefighting force, patterned
after CDF, assist on major wildland incidents.
• The Land of Race-Car Drivers •
The biggest business for the Vigili Del Fuoco is automobile accidents. Outside of towns and cities, there are no posted speed limits -- and a trip on the AutoStrada (Interstate) often means taking ones' life into their own hands. Travelling in my rental Fiat, in the right hand lane at 120 kph, I was passed by any vehicle carrying a German or Swedish name. When Italian Fire-Rescue responds to an MVA, you can guarantee it's not a property-damage only, fender-bender.
EMS is still a touchy subject with Italian firefighters. Ambulance is response is handled by Hospitals or Municipalities, with two EMT's and a Physician onboard. (Remember the Diana incident in Paris?) Like France, each emergency service has its own 3 digit phone number, which sometimes creates a major delay in the alarm being routed to the proper agency.
• A Step Ahead •
One thing the Italians have developed, which we might consider one day, is a "layered" system of protective clothing, which starts with a Verscace designed Nomex Day Jumpsuit. For auto accidents, this and their helmet serves the purpose. If it's a wildland incident, they add a lighweight protective jacket. For structural incidents, they don full turnout gear, which includes a hood that covers their helmet.
Chief Angelo Venuti, who heads the Video Production Unit for the Vigili del Fuoco, will soon be sharing some exciting footage. We'll let you know when it's in. Next up, Germany.
To learn more about the Italian Fire Service, check out the following
URL: http://www2.comune.bologna.it/bologna/assnvfv
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