Due to the upcoming wildfire season, the Ward 1 Fire Department in Lake Charles, Louisiana, has introduced a “brush buggy” into firefighter training. According to a kplctv.com article, the department shared that they are a type of side-by-side four-wheel drive vehicle equipped to hose down fires. 

Robert Watson, a firefighter in the department, shared that this method is much faster than older methods. They are able to reach more land and get deeper into the woods when necessary.  

The brush buggy can carry 84 gallons of water, whereas pumpers can hold up to 1,000 gallons. In extreme cases, the engines will more likely be used, but the brush buggy can serve as a quick solution.

The new brush buggy, along with new fire hose, nozzles and portable radios, was purchased through a $150,000 grant from the State of Louisiana.

The post Fire Department Practices with Brush Buggy for Wildfires appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

The Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue Services Department lost a pumper after it became stranded in flash floodwater on July 20, 2025, in Silver Spring. This is the second vehicle to be taken out of commission by the department this year.  

According to a bethesdamagazine.com article, Assistant Chief Dan Ogren confirmed that the vehicle had only been in service for a few months before this incident. Ogren states the department is unsure if the engine can be repaired or if a new one will have to be purchased. It could take up to 18 months for a new engine to be delivered.  

The pumper damaged in floodwaters comes a month and a half after the fire department deemed a water tanker a total loss. It was involved in a rollover collision that injured a firefighter and civilian.  

related content

• MD Fire Department Pumper Stalls Out in Floodwaters
• MD Tanker Rolls Over in Crash En Route to Fire

The firefighter driving the engine during the floodwaters incident on July 20 is on a non-driving status. The incident is under investigation by the fire department.

The post Pumper Stalled in Floodwaters Is FD’s Second Apparatus Damaged This Year appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

The Frankenmuth (MI) held its annual Antique Fire Muster, July 25-26, 2025. The event included fire truck displays, pumping events, and even a parade.

Frankenmuth is a member of the Great Lakes International Antique Fire Apparatus Association.

Photos by David Traiforos. More photo galleries: Part 1 | Part 2

Read more

• 0
• 0
• Article rating: No rating