Fire Walkers: – Forming a Fire Department, Chapter 3 of 6

Written by Harold McNeill on February 26th, 2011. Posted in Fire Department


Fire Walkers – Forming a Fire Department, Chapter 3

On returning to Cold Lake in early October, 1961, it was, as the saying goes, ‘jumping from the frying pan into the fire’. Fresh from basic training, we were now tasked with actually learning the day to day aspects of crash rescue work in real time. The USAF personnel having been temporarily seconded to fire duties at the SAC Site had a full training program set and ready to go when we arrived.

Fire Truck Familiarization

First off the mark was learning to use the USAF equipment, none of which was available at Camp Borden. The three main pieces were two giant O11-A foam trucks and a smaller R2 (we call the R-Deuce) rescue truck. There was also one tanker truck (for hauling water/extra foam cans) and  several pieces of smaller equipment used on the tarmac for fire protection around the Crew wit O11Aaircraft during engine starts.

Photo: Crew from 0-11-A and others tackle fire at a mock crash site. One man remains in the turret while others approach the mock aircraft with handlines. Location of this practice area is unknown.

Normal crew size on a 011-A was four – the driver and right hand crewman operated the two electronically controlled roof turrets, while two others operated the lines. The hand line operators could also open a roof hatch and operate the turrets by hand (as in above photo). In approaching a scene, the two hand line men manually operated the turrets while the truck approached and after it had stopped the driver and front fireman would take over with the trigger grips while the hand line operators left the cab to continue to knock down the flames.

It was spectacular watching a well coordinated attack knock down a wall of flames with those twin turrets that could lay down tens of thousands of gallons of foam (a mixture of animal rendering and water) within a matter of seconds. There was little that could match the adrenalin rush felt when approaching that wall of fire.

In a real life situation, if the aircraft was fully engulfed in flame it was understood the chance of pilot or crew survival would be limited but if there was even the slightest chance of survival, our challenge was to affect a rescue. While we trained for specific positions, all members of our crew were capable of filling every position as needed.

Aircraft Familiarization

Following familiarization with the trucks, we then began work with the US Aircraft on site, primarily the giant KC-97.  Capable of carrying 9,000 gallons of JP4 (jet fuel) plus fuel for the giant piston driven engines, the aircraft, when fully loaded, weighed nearly 173,000 pounds. In the event of a crash or ground accident and a fire, a massive explosion could be expected.

Photo: Three KC-97 Tankers on the line at Cold Lake, looking south from near the threshold of Runway 310. Photo courtesy of Raymond Birn a civilian fireman from the SAC Base.

Aircraft Characteristics:KC 97 on line

Crew: five (two pilots, navigator, flight engineer and boom operator)
Length: 117 ft
Wingspan: 117 ft
Height: 38 ft
Powerplant: 4 Pratt and Whitney Radial Engines (3,500 hp each). Some models equipped with turbo jets for additional boost.
Performance:   Maximum Speed: 400 mph
Ceiling: 30,000 ft
Range: 2,300 mi

Although no bombers, primarily the B52 Stratofortress, were stationed at Cold Lake, it was necessary to learn the rescue procedures in the event one should make an emergency landing at the base. This was always a possibility as dozens of the aircraft were in constant flight over northern Canada. For these bombers we used schematics to learn the rescue procedures.

As Cold Lake was primarily a high performance jet fighter training base for the CF-101 Voodoo and the newly acquired Lockheed/Canadair CF-104 Starfighter, I was now in my glory. Having held a great love of flying and airplanes for many years, I was now able to get up close with some of the newest and best fighter jets in the world.  To this point in my life I had only been able to watch from a distance and fantasize what it must be like to become a fighter pilot. Now, at least, I was on the front line1.

CF-104 firing rocketsA few characteristics of the CF-104 include:

Unit Cost: $1.42 million (by way of comparison: F100 Super Sabre, $500 thousand, current CF-18 $40 million and the proposed new CF-35, estimated at $140 million)
Crew:  There were both single and dual seat models.
Length: 54 ft 6 in.
Wingspan: 21 ft 9 in (wingtip to wingtip)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 29,000 lbs
Maximum Speed: 1,146 mph (1,844 km/h)
Range 1,630 mi
Guns:  1 x 20 mm Vulcan Cannon
Other:  External bombs and missiles
Ejection: Early models had a downward ejection seat but many low level accidents, resulting in a number of deaths, resulted in the aircraft being re-configured with an upward ejection seat.

During the course of two weeks we began to learn all that was necessary about working safely around the various aircraft. Of primary interest was ‘making safe’ dangerous equipment such as ejection seats and weapons.  The ejection seats were of particular concern as mishandling the removal of a pilot after an accident could easily trigger the seat. This would lead to disastrous consequences for both the pilot and the rescuer. At Cold Lake and other bases there were several accidents involving the ejection seats so the RCAF were sticklers about knowing and following the safety procedures.T-33 Test of Ejections Seat

In addition to the newest jet fighters, Cold Lake was also home to several ‘old timers’ including the last of the lumbering CF-100s, a couple of Sabre Jets (left over from the Korean War) and several T-33s trainers (shown being used to test an ejection seat). The T-33 was very popular and would remain in service for several more decades.

As well we became familiar with the numerous piston driven aircraft and helicopters operated by the RCAF and several jet fighters from other nations that participated in periodic training at Cold Lake. After the familiarization period was complete we began to assume more operational responsibility at the base.

Promotions

One of the final steps taken by Senior USAF and RCAF personnel was promoting a Chief and shift Crew Chiefs.  Reports from staff at Borden and observations by USAF personnel during our familiarization period played a role in that process.  While it seemed likely older recruits with a Cold Lake Crew with Trucksbackground in firefighting and management would eventually be the successful applicants, it didn’t stop several of the younger men, including myself, from throwing our hats in the ring.

Within two weeks the announcements were made.  Ed Valley, who had experience as a Fire Chief with one of the local volunteer fire departments, was named Chief and, as expected, three other men with experience were named as crew chiefs.  For my part, I snagged a job as an R Deuce driver and Rescue Specialist.

Above Photo: Cold Lake SAC Crew on tarmac with trucks after having taken over operational control at the base: (R to L) Chief Ed Valley, Crew Chief George Grimstead, Firemen Ben Kading, Don Dobranski, Fred Bamber, Raymond Birn (source of photo),  Richard Armstrong, Ken Cuthbert (tall man second from far end). Others not named.

Over the next two months USAF personnel were reassigned back to bases in the United States as the second group of recruits from Borden joined our ranks and completed their familiarization.  We were then divided into three shifts working a 56 hour week (the standard for firemen in those days) in rotations comprised of three 10 hour days, three 14 hour nights, followed by three days off.  Given holidays, sickness and other absences we were able to maintain full crew rotations for all trucks.   By the end of January, 1962, we had assumed full control with Chief Valley reporting to the USAF SAC Base Commander.

Harold McNeill
February, 2011

1 Another experience with the CF-104 that I will always cherish presented itself while flying out of the Cold Lake Flying Club. The club was located on the north side of Runway 04/22 near the 22 CF-104 trainerthreshhold. The club was operated by several air force pilots who very much enjoyed instructing on light aircraft. The student pilots became friends with many of those pilots some of whom were active fighter pilots.

Photo: Static display of CF-104 trainer used at Cold Lake for ground based flight training. 

A school chum, Aaron Pinsky, with whom I did a lot a flying in those early years, was close friends with one of the CF-104 pilots. One week-end the pilot took Aaron and me to the training facility where we spent an hour or so flying the CF-104 trainer.  It was a delightful experience to be at the controls of that powerful jet even if only in a training mode.  How did we fair?  Not to bad in straight and level and shallow turns but as soon as we pushed the limits with speed and in manoeuvers, we both crashed the trainer.

Additional Photographs

Cold Lake Airbase

View of Cold Lake Airbase.  The SAC base was located at the building site in the lower-right corner of the photograph. This photo shows the second runway (running right to left across bottom) parallel to the main runway 31/13 that was 12,600 feet long.  In the early years the Cold Lake Flying Club was located at the top right adjacent to the inside of runway 04/22.

Aircraft on Tarmac

Variety of Aircraft on display at Cold Lake outside the main hanger. These aircraft were likely being set out for display at one of the Annual Air Shows hosted at the base every year from its inception.

CF-101 Voodoo warming up

Cold Lake:  On a sub-zero morning a CF-101 warms up in preparation for take-off. While the CF-101 was in regular use at Cold Lake it was not as well known as the CF-104 perhaps partly because it suffered far fewer accidents.

Night test of CF-104 Engine

Cold Lake: Night testing of CF-104 engine. The noise emanating from the CF-104 was one of its many endearing features.  Some compared it to the sound of a wailing banshee.  On a cold winter night the sound could be heard for 15-20 miles around the airbase.

CF-104 Cockpit

The cockpit of the CF-104 was just a bit more complicated than a Cessna-120 or 172.

Fire Watch at KC-97 Startup\

Fire Watch during KC-97 start-up.  At Cold Lake we usually stood by with one of the Fire Trucks, usually an 0-11-A.

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Comments (1)

  • May 4, 2011 at 12:14 am |

    This is very well done. It brings back many memories of the early days of Ray’s firefighting. I hope you get a good response from other fire fighters.

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Comments

  • Mike Fedorowich

    September 1, 2023 |

    I have gone through the above noted text and have found it quite informative.
    I am a former member with several law enforcement agencies from across Canada.
    I worked in the First Nations service under the authority of the RCMP with the over sight of the OPP. My law enforcement service was conducted under the authority of the Nishnawbe – Aski Police Service in North West Ontario the Louis Bull Police Sevice in Hobbema AB, the Kitasoo Xaixais Police Service in Northern in side passage on Swindle Island, the Lac Suel Police Service North West Ontario and the Vancouver Transit Authority Sky Train Police Service. I’m presently dealing with an RCMP member for falsifying a report against me for a road rage event. Court case is finished and the charge was dropped but I have an on going complaint with the member and have forwarded to the WATCH DOGS IN OTTAWA FOR the RCMP review and consideration. I believe the said officer is in violation of his oath of office and should be held accountable for falsifying his RTCC all the while dragging me through the court system here in Nanaimo. RCMP continue to stonewall the appeal but Ottawa and the crowns office are still looking into the matter. if your able and find the time or the interest in this very brief introduction, I would very much like to speak with you and would be grateful to hear any wisdom that may come across from your end. I served with First Nations Police Services for ten years in isolation and six years with Transit Police out of New West Minster. I do value and appreciate any time you could spare to chat for a bit on this particular subject matter. Respectfully with out anger but an open mind, Mike Fedorowich Nanaimo BC 250 667 0060

  • Harold McNeill

    February 28, 2022 |

    Hi Robert, I do remember some of those folks from my early years in Cold Lake (Hazel was my aunt and our family spent many fond times with Uncle Melvin, Aunt Hazel and Family. I knew Lawrence and Adrian. Having read a half dozen accounts it is clear their were many false narratives and, perhaps, a few truths along the way. I tried my best to provide an even account from what I read. Cheers, Harold. (email: Harold@mcneillifestories.com)

  • Robert Martineau

    February 25, 2022 |

    Its been a long time since any post here, but its worth a shot. My Grandfather was Hazel Wheelers brother Lawrence, and son to Maggie and Adrien. Maggie Martineau (nee Delaney) is my great grandmother. The books and articles to date are based on the white mans viewpoint and the real story as passed down by the Elders in my family is much more nefarious. Some of the white men were providing food for the Indians in exchange for sexual favors performed by the Squaws. Maggie was the product of one of those encounters. Although I am extremely proud of my family and family name, I am ashamed about this part of it.

  • Julue

    January 28, 2022 |

    Good morning Harold!
    Gosh darn it, you are such a good writer. I hope you have been writing a book about your life. It could be turned into a movie.
    Thanks for this edition to your blog.
    I pray that Canadians will keep their cool this weekend and next week in Ottawa. How do you see our PM handling it? He has to do something and quick!
    Xo Julie

  • Herb Craig

    December 14, 2021 |

    As always awesome job Harold. It seems whatever you do in life the end result is always the same professional, accurate, inclusive and entertaining. You have always been a class act and a great fellow policeman to work with. We had some awesome times together my friend. I will always hold you close as a true friend. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you this summer.
    Warm regards
    Herb Craig

  • Harold McNeill

    November 26, 2021 |

    Hi Dorthy, So glad you found those stories and, yes, they hold many fond memories. Thanks to social media and the blog, I’ve been able to get in touch with many friends from back in the day. Cheers, Harold

  • Harold McNeill

    November 26, 2021 |

    Well, well. Pleased to see your name pop up. I’m in regular contact via FB with many ‘kids’ from back in our HS days (Guy, Dawna, Shirley and others). Also, a lot of Cold Lake friends through FB. Cheers, Harold

  • Harold McNeill

    November 26, 2021 |

    Oh, that is many years back and glad you found the story. I don’t have any recall of others in my class other than the Murphy sisters on whose farm my Dad and Mom worked.

  • Harold McNeill

    November 26, 2021 |

    Pleased to hear from you Howie and trust all is going well. As with you, I have a couple of sad stories of times in my police career when I crossed paths with Ross Barrington Elworthy. Just haven’t had the time to write those stories.

  • Howie Siegel

    November 25, 2021 |

    My only fight at Pagliacci’s was a late Sunday night in 1980 (?) He ripped the towel machine off the bathroom wall which brought me running. He came after me, I grabbed a chair and cracked him on the head which split his skull and dropped him. I worried about the police finding him on the floor. I had just arrived from Lasqueti Island and wasn’t convinced the police were my friends. I dragged him out to Broad and Fort and left him on the sidewalk, called the cops. They picked him up and he never saw freedom again (as far as I know). I found out it was Ross Elworthy.