Benton County has provided the Gravette Fire Department with a large tanker to serve the district, much of which lies in unincorporated rural areas.

The apparatus, which holds 3,000 gallons of water, will serve as a water source in the hydrant-lacking areas of the district.

The truck will be outfitted with hoses and other such equipment, and it’s expected to be placed into service later this week; it will be housed at the Hiwasse station.

The apparatus was built by Fouts Brothers Fire Equipment (GA) and is the second new tanker provided to Gravette. It will replace an outdated Mack milk truck which has been in use for many years.

Over the last three or so years, White Rock Fire Protection District officials have been saving money for new apparatus and equipment, and now they’re about to taste the fruits of their labor.

According to a report on mdcp.nwaonline.com, the department recently took delivery of a 1997 Sutphen custom pumper, an upgrade over its current 1977 Alexis engine, the report says. The apparatus holds 750 gallons of water and can carry all the necessary tools.

Other new apparatus includes two brush trucks, recently delivered, and a 3,000-gallon pumper tanker arriving in the spring. Officials say the pumper is a special order and was paid for with a $285,000 Arkansas to Firefighters grant.

The other equipment is being purchased via funds that officials have saved since the district’s formation in 2019, according to the report.

The Charlemont Fire Department has applied for a FEMA grant that would ideally cover the entirety of a $649,000 new pumper, reports recorder.com.

Officials say the current pumper is a 1996 International Darley, which has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. The department has one pumper, a tanker, and a rescue truck.

If the AFG program doesn’t come through, the report notes the department will try to fund it locally.

Little Rock, AR (March 1, 2022) – Always planning for the road ahead and the fire service needs of their community, the West Pulaski Fire Department (WPFD) has taken delivery of a fully customized Toyne pumper. This new apparatus will replace a Toyne built for the department in 1999. After two decades of service, the name of the retired Toyne, “Engine 1,” has been assumed by their latest pumper.

“We know this truck will service our needs well and should serve our fire district and communities for decades,” said Jason Rogers, WPFD Deputy Chief Administrator.

As one of the largest volunteer fire districts in the state of Arkansas, WPFD protects more than 9,000 residents over a territory that spans 160 square miles. In 2020, they responded to 777 incident calls alone. Operating out of five fire stations and maintaining a fleet of over 20 apparatus allows WPFD to serve such a large area effectively. The department continues to expand its capabilities, and commissioning the construction of a Toyne apparatus was a part of those efforts. Their newest Toyne is ready to take the call from WPFD’s Station #1.

“We were very familiar with the craftsmanship and quality of a Toyne fire apparatus, as we have had one in service with our department for over 20 years, and it has served us very well,” said  Scott Matthews, WPFD Lieutenant. “After taking delivery, we are equally as impressed with the craftsmanship of our new truck.”

The apparatus body was stall-built and constructed with bolted painted stainless steel. It houses a number of different features and storage options that