For the first time in its 70-year history, the Jefferson City (MT) Volunteer Fire Department has a new engine in service, according to a report published by KRTV 3.

The television station reported that the 2022 engine will replace a 1979 engine that was donated to the department a decade ago and the Jefferson City firefighters are hoping to donate it to another Montana fire department in need.

The brand new engine was funded by the Pegasus Gold Mine property tax and was ordered about a year ago, the television station reported, adding the new engine will accommodate five firefighters and one engineer. The previous truck would only handle three firefighters and an engineer.

White Bear Lake is planning a $12.5 million renovation and expansion of its public safety building, located next to City Hall, reports twincities.com.

The fire department’s 1961-built apparatus bay can’t accommodate additional sleeping quarters for the new full-time fire-and-ambulance response model, according to the report. Plus, the facility is without separate areas for firefighter training and to clean gear.

The project includes a 15,400-square-foot police squad garage and the replacement of the current fire apparatus bay with a $3.5 million, 11,200-square-foot one. Work is expected to start next fall, with a completion anticipated in spring 2023, the report says.

A 40-foot stair tower will be used for training, while also serving as a corner display for the department’s 1929 American LaFrance apparatus.

To fund it, the city estimates an $875,000 annual debt service over 20 years, though a bonding request has been made to the state legislature to pay for half of the total cost, according to the report.

Paso Robles (CA) Fire and Emergency Services recently took delivery of its first Type III fire engine in the department’s history. The Paso Robles City Council approved the purchase of the fire apparatus built by Pierce Manufacturing INC. on February 16, 2021. The engine was placed in service for emergency response on Feb. 19th, 2022, according to a news release issued by the city of Paso Robles.  

This specialized fire engine is designed to respond to wildland fires that pose a risk to the community of Paso Robles and across the State of California. In 2021, Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded to 144 wildland fires. The 4×4 fire engine can access areas with difficult terrain and is equipped with specialized equipment for combatting wildland fires.

Due to the drought conditions we have experienced over the last few years, wildfires locally and throughout the state are accelerating at unprecedented rates. The rapid growth of these wildfires is even stunning many of us that have been doing this for a very long time. The addition of this specialized apparatus to augment our response capabilities is a significant milestone in serving our community,” said Chief Stornetta.  

The engine is also well equipped and prepared for other types of emergency responses including Medical Aids, Structure Fires, and Vehicle Accidents. 

On Monday Feb. 21st, 2022, the engine was dispatched to a vegetation fire off North River Rd. with difficult access.  Due to the 4×4 capabilities, the crews were able to safely access and extinguish the fire.

On Tuesday morning Feb. 22nd the engine was dispatched to a second vegetation fire in the Salinas Riverbed. 

A Sunset (TX) Fire Department engine blocking an interstate crash was hit by a passing 18-wheeler and significantly damaged on Wednesday, according to a report published by KAUZ News 6.

The television station reported no one was injured, but the engine was sent about 60 feet after the secondary crash which occurred during a winter storm.  The engine sustained significant damage and the fire department says the loss of the apparatus was a “devastating blow” to the volunteer fire department.