After 11 months and spending nearly a half million dollars, South Torch Lake (MI) Fire Department’s wrecked pumper is back in service, according to a report published by 9&10 News.

On August 11, 2021, the engine was on the way back from a call when it went off the road after it washed out during a rain storm, according to the report. With the engine out of service South Torch Lake experienced a change in the community’s insurance rating, increasing insurance rates for its residents, the report said.

Now that the $430,000 in repairs has been completed, the department has an engine and a tanker in service and is planning to have the Insurance Services Office (ISO) return for a new evaluation with the intent of getting a better insurance rating, according to the report.

City Councilors in Peoria (IL) approved $3.2 million in new apparatus sales, expecting to get the new rigs in 2024, according to a report published by the radio station WCBU.

The station reported that Interim Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger said the wait times for apparatus can be up to 27 months because of supply chain issues. The chief told councilors that by making a decision and commitment to buy the apparatus now, they will have time to raise and appropriate the funds by the time the apparatus is delivered, according to the station.

The apparatus that might be replaced include two aerials from 2001 and one from 1994, according to the radio station.

Almost immediately after it was put in service, the Diana (TX) Volunteer Fire Department used a new apparatus on three grass fires, according to a report published by The Gilmer Mirror.

The paper said the apparatus was purchased with funds from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. It is built on a Ford F-350 cab and chassis and is equipped with a slip-on unit that can hold 350 gallons of water and 5 gallons of foam.

Texas A&M Forest Service administers the  Rural VFD Assistance Program and is committed to protecting lives, property and natural resources. The  Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by the Texas Legislature and provides  cost-share funding to rural volunteer fire departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and  rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.  

After not clearing ice from his windshield a 29-year-old man crashed into a stationary fire truck in Isabella Plains, Australia, according to a report published by the Canberra Weekly.

The report says the there were no serious injuries after the man hit the back of the fire apparatus parked at the scene of a previous collision at an intersection. The driver of the Hyundai Accent will be fined $205 for driving his motor vehicle without a clear view and $398 for negligent driving, according to the report.