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In recent years, with the support of party committees and governments at all levels, a large number of high-grade, advanced, and specialized equipment have been deployed to fire-fighting forces, significantly improving the level of equipment construction. However, as the number of firefighting and rescue missions increases, the wear and tear on firefighting equipment has also accelerated. Timely and effective maintenance is crucial for maintaining combat readiness and operational effectiveness. Drawing from personal experience in combat support work, this article discusses several key issues related to fire equipment maintenance.
**First, the current status of fire equipment maintenance**
1. **Diverse equipment, difficulty in obtaining spare parts**
For example, the Shizuishan detachment alone has over 40 types of fire vehicles and more than 20 different equipment suppliers. The market for spare parts is chaotic, with similar-looking parts but significant price differences and inconsistent quality. When equipment breaks down, there are often no professional repair centers available. Fire trucks are typically maintained either by the units themselves or through manufacturers. However, when sent for repairs, the cost of auto parts varies greatly between regions, leading to situations where parts are overpriced or "snapped up." In some cases, it takes months to get equipment back into service. In 2012, one of the squadrons’ high-lift fire trucks broke down, and it took six months to get it repaired after sending it back to the manufacturer. Worse still, some manufacturers have gone out of business, leaving equipment purchased by the military without repair options, forcing them to scrap the equipment entirely.
2. **Suppliers lack post-sales support, causing disputes**
Most distributors and manufacturers operate independently, creating challenges for frontline maintenance. For instance, many suppliers use a "site and top-loading part" model, which complicates after-sales service. When a fire truck fails, the unit may face disagreements with the supplier, who may shift blame and avoid responsibility. Some suppliers even refuse to handle repairs directly, requiring the unit to contact third-party maintenance, which can delay the process and affect mission readiness.
3. **High costs and long maintenance cycles**
Equipment labeled as "firefighting" is often priced extremely high, especially if it's imported. Although the selling price of fire equipment has decreased due to market competition, many grassroots units in areas like Ningxia still find it unaffordable. Spare parts are often priced unilaterally by suppliers, with no public pricing information or room for negotiation. For example, a squad’s hand-held rebar cutter battery was damaged, and the manufacturer quoted 3,500 yuan for just the battery, while the full package was around 5,000 yuan. This equipment is only available through specialized dealers, making it difficult to replace. Another case involved a radar life detector charger that couldn’t be repaired for a long time, leading to wasted resources and frustration among frontline personnel.
4. **Insufficient training and maintenance practices**
Many squads lack proper training and maintenance procedures. Equipment inspections are often superficial, failing to detect potential issues early. Maintenance is not always carried out according to established standards, such as not checking the integrity of cylinders or masks on air breathing apparatuses. Additionally, many units store protective gear improperly, reducing its lifespan or effectiveness. Education on equipment use is also lacking, and penalties for misuse are not enforced, leading to an increase in man-made damage.
5. **High turnover of equipment technicians**
Due to the short service period of soldiers, it takes a long time to train qualified technicians. Many experienced technicians leave after their service ends, resulting in a shortage of skilled personnel. Existing technicians often rely on traditional methods and lack data on equipment lifespans, especially for imported equipment.
**Second, improving fire equipment maintenance methods**
Modern firefighting operations rely heavily on equipment. Ensuring timely and efficient maintenance is critical for success.
1. **Daily maintenance**
Routine checks help prevent failures and maintain equipment performance. Regular maintenance ensures that equipment remains functional and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
2. **Emergency maintenance**
During disasters, quick repairs are essential to restore equipment functionality. While emergency fixes may not fully restore equipment, they allow for immediate use and should be followed by full repairs afterward.
3. **Establishing a comprehensive maintenance system**
A three-level maintenance network (corps, detachment, brigade) should be created to ensure effective support. Each level should focus on different aspects: the corps manages overall strategy, the detachment oversees local implementation, and the brigade handles daily maintenance.
4. **Preventive maintenance management**
A system based on calendar time or usage hours should be implemented. It should include detailed records of equipment specifications, maintenance history, and repair procedures.
5. **Emergency repair plans**
Develop detailed emergency plans and ensure that maintenance teams are equipped with necessary tools and manuals. Rapid response during major incidents is essential for restoring equipment quickly.
6. **Reward and punishment system**
Strengthen the management of equipment technicians. Provide incentives for skilled personnel and address underperformance through proper review and disciplinary action.
7. **Training and recruitment of professionals**
Invest in training and hiring technical experts. Combine internal training with external programs to build a strong team of skilled technicians capable of handling complex equipment.
**Third, utilizing social resources effectively**
Manufacturers should provide comprehensive training materials, including multimedia guides and translated manuals, to improve user understanding. Including spare parts in delivery packages helps reduce downtime. Strengthen communication between units and dealers to ensure prompt responses to equipment issues. Adding warranty-like cards in packaging allows users to provide feedback, helping manufacturers improve product quality.
Fire equipment maintenance is a vital component of the firefighting force’s ability to protect and strengthen. As the saying goes, “the wise see wisdom and the benevolent see benevolence.†This article shares real experiences and insights from my own work in equipment maintenance, aiming to spark discussion and improvement within the community.