Lt. Chad Cousino told 7 Action News a drunk driver plowed into the back of the fire engine at a high rate of speed, injuring the fire fighters and causing extensive damage to the fire rig. 

It’s unknown if the rig will be able to be repaired. The cost for a new fire engine can cost up to $500,000. However, officials say the cost will be covered by insurance and the deductible has been waived because the accident wasn't the fire department's fault.

Taylor police continue to investigate the accident.

Distracted drivers are putting first responders lives in danger by failing to obey Michigan’s Emergency Vehicle Caution law, known as the “move over law.” 

The fire was spotted at the Wampum Volunteer Fire Department by the assistant chief as he was driving by the station.

“He was coming down Main Street and seen it,” said Chief Charles Kelly, Jr. “When he got here he was able to get the truck out of the garage, one of the trucks out of the garage, and we were able to start attacking the fire.”

The damage was mostly contained to the garage with a brush truck and two quads destroyed.

“It’s kind of pointing to a vehicle that might have shorted out, caught on fire or something,” Kelly said. “When we got here there were two vehicles on fire in the building. The fire marshal will be able to tell us more when he gets here in the morning.”

At separate meetings Monday, Oct. 3, the Bay City Commission and Hampton Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved agreements that will see Bay City pick up 75 percent of the final cost of a new aerial truck and Hampton Township pay the remaining 25 percent. Under the agreement, the 75-25 split — which was determined based on each municipality's population — would remain in effect for future maintenance costs.

Bay City will put out bids for the truck through its purchasing department in the coming weeks, per the agreement.

"This is something we're extremely proud of," said Bay City Manager Rick Finn. "We're going to save $300,000 and Hampton is going to save $700,000, which is a big deal. But the even bigger thing to be happy about is that our government is reaching out and showing everyone that this city wants to work in partnerships with anyone interested in working with us. This is a perfect example of that."

Both municipalities are in need of a new aerial truck. Bay City's existing truck was purchased in 1995. Hampton Township's is even older, purchased in 1982.

In a county where aerial trucks aren't often used, the shared agreement makes sense, said Kerri Prieur, Bay City's fire chief.