The Chowchilla Fire Department says it is looking forward to the delivery of its new replacement water truck. In August, the city's water truck was destroyed when it caught fire while fighting a vegetation fire in the Berenda Slough near Road 16.
Fire Chief Harry Turner said the department has been working with city administration, the city’s insurance and City Council to acquire a replacement truck. On the Jan. 12, the council authorized the purchase.
The order for the new truck was placed with West-Mark, out of Ceres.
“Originally we were given an approximate delivery date of September or October 2016,” Turner said. “With some unanticipated vacancies in West-Mark’s construction line, they were able to move up the delivery of the new water truck for the city.” Delivery is now expected within 30 days.
Last week Turner traveled to Ceres for the final construction inspection. There were only a few minor items that needed to be addressed, and West-Mark is working on those now.
The new truck cost $201,018.96. A majority of the cost is covered by the insurance claim payment for the burned truck. The balance is coming from fire impact fees, with no impact to the city’s general fund.
There are a few additions and modifications to the new truck that will make it better suited for the needs of the Chowchilla Fire Department.