"Requirements are 10 years after manufacture. Most of our turnout gear was manufactured in 2005. And rather than put Fire Department personnel in jeopardy, we chose to have them stand down," Selectmen Bruce Rozett said.  

The town's assistant fire chief discovered the outdated, noncompliant safety gear during a recent equipment check.

Technicians in Estes Park, Colorado used parts from four other pumpers to restore the fire engine, a process that took four years. They still had to fabricate parts because the old machines were so deteriorated.   

The KCFD purchased several Ahrens-Foxes around 1927 after decades of using horse-drawn equipment. 

Ryan said the district is looking to replace a 1996 fire truck and 2013 ambulance, both of which have outlived their life expectancy, and repair and maintenance costs are more expensive. At this rate, he said, selling those vehicles has been hard because "in order to sell equipment that's worth something, they still need an update."  

Officials said the bond, which would take effect in 2019 and stretch over the next 10 years, is enough to cover the expenses of the two vehicles. The estimated cost for a ladder fire truck is $1 million, and an ambulance could range between $200,000 to $300,000, Ryan said.

If it is approved, fire district residents can expect an increase on their property tax bills of nearly $2.50 more a month or $30 more a year, officials said.