The Texarkana Fire Department invited the public to celebrate the addition of a new engine to its fleet Monday, texarkanagazette.com reported.

Festivities will include a washing ceremony, a blessing and “a few fire service traditions for everyone to enjoy,” according to a city hall news release.

The “Lucky No. 7” pumper truck was manufactured in Brandon (SD) by Spartan Emergency Response. It took 18 months to complete, with a total cost of $731,000, the report said.

The new truck has 450 horsepower, carries a five-person crew and can pump 1,500 gpm with a 750-gallon tank capacity, according to the report.

The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Fire Station 7, 3101 South Lake Drive.

The Kingsport Fire Department is getting ready to roll out two new pieces of equipment, wcyb.com reported.

The department recently took delivery of two brand new Pierce Velocity fire engines.

A fire official said crews have been in the process of installing necessary equipment, like hoses and air tanks, the report said.

News 5 learned the price-tag on the engines totaled over $700,000 each, and older vehicles are slated to be retired, according to the report.

Voters in the Boles Fire Protection District will decide the fate of an $8 million bond issue on April 4, emissourian.com reported. 

If voters approve the measure, known as Proposition Fire, taxpayers would not see an increase in their taxes and the district would be able to replace aging equipment, address longstanding maintenance issues at the four fire stations in the district and purchase equipment upgrades for firefighters, according to a fire official.

The district would look to buy between two or three new pumper trucks, two or three new smaller brush fire trucks, and one or two new water tankers, the report said.  

Proposition Fire would also allow the district to address some maintenance issues at each of the four fire stations, which were last renovated in the early 2000s, according to the report. 

Of the voters casting a ballot for the April 4 election, Proposition Fire will need to receive four-sevenths of all votes cast in order to pass, the report said. 

A MO fire truck almost encountered a head-on collision on a rural highway Friday afternoon.

According to a Facebook post by the Ebenezer Fire Protection District, the fire truck was traveling north on H Highway just north of State Highway AA after the crew had responded to a medical call.

“Our truck was traveling 53 mph in a 55 mph zone when it had to defensively avoid a head-on collision from a car passing traffic in the other lane. With your volume up, you can hear the screeching tires as this was very close to a collision!

“If you witnessed this incident or have any information on this vehicle please feel free to pass it along to us.

“This a reminder to always pay attention and drive safe!”