King said the new apparatus will help support firefighting efforts in east Norman and provide the department increased flexibility in how it responds across the city.  

Former Thunderbird Park Ranger Casey Fox said it will drastically improve the department’s ability to fight wildfires because it will provide immense amounts of water on scene, helping contain them before they get out of control.

A report from state police said officers were called to the crash at about 11:50 p.m. near Path Valley and Wineman roads, about 20 minutes after the company was called to a fire in the area. Police said the driver veered off the right side of the road, causing the vehicle to overturn. 

 

Metal Township Fire Chief Dale Hall said the man had left the station in the company's rescue truck shortly after another truck. He was the only one in the vehicle at the time of the incident. 

The driver was taken to Meritus Medical Center for treatment. Hall said as of Monday afternoon he was still in the hospital in the Intensive Care Unit awaiting testing and follow-up treatment. He asked for prayers for the man and his family. 

Ladder trucks are 96 inches wide, compared to a 101-inch standard, and the back of trucks here taper to 88 inches, giving drivers a little extra room on tight turns, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety.

 

Other differences include recessed grab rails, bar lights, and air conditioning units. Parts of the exterior have rubber instead of stainless steel so there’s less damage if the truck brushes against something else. For going up and down hills, Jones said, the trucks have extra horsepower and brakes.