New Fire Apparatus Features Digital Alerting for Motorists

Motorists in Baltimore County and the region who use the Waze navigation application soon will receive alerts that they're approaching active incidents where first responders are working.

BCoFD’s newest fire engines and trucks -- a $17.44 million investment this year and $6.1 million next year – are equipped with the HAAS Alert “Safety Cloud” digital alerting service. The HAAS system provides real-time road safety information involving active fire units designed to reduce the risk of crashes with first responders and other roadside workers and enhance compliance with “Move Over” laws.

Pikesville’s Engine 2 will be the first new piece of apparatus with HAAS to be placed in service.

BCoFD is only the third Maryland fire department to use this digital alerting system. Nationwide, more than 250 departments use it; Safety Cloud has processed more than 1 billion driver alerts.

The County has purchased 22 fire engines and 5 ladder trucks to be placed in service this year and next. The new units by Pierce Manufacturing of Wisconsin replace aging apparatus and will be distinguished by a new black-over-red cab.

Pierce Manufacturing has made the Safety Cloud alert system a standard safety feature on all new apparatus. The alerts give motorists up to 30 seconds of advance warning that they are approaching active fire units.

HAAS Alert plans to expand the service to other mobile navigation applications and dashboard digital systems.