City officials Monday announced the addition of 10 fire and brush engines to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department‘s fleet in preparation for fire season.
The Fire-Rescue Department will have eight new fire engines and two new brush engines to combat fires around the city. The department will also be getting a new helicopter later this year, according to the city. Six of the new engines will deploy to fire stations around the city next week.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Councilwoman Monica Montgomery and Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell held a news conference at the department’s Logistics Center to announce the fleet additions.
“Fires are now a year-round threat in California so we must ensure we have the best equipment and the most highly trained firefighters to keep us safe,” Faulconer said. “The investments we’re making — from new engines to new and improved stations — will help our firefighters act quickly and effectively when our communities are at risk from wildfires.”
Each of the fire engines carry 500 gallons of water, 2,750 feet of fire hose and include a pump that can spray water up to 1,500 gallons per minute. The brush engines carry 500 gallons of water and 1,650 feet of hose while having the capability to spray 500 gallons of water per minute.
Including the 10 engines, the city has added 33 fire apparatus to the Fire-Rescue Department, including an urban search-and-rescue truck and a hazmat response unit in addition to 31 new engines and trucks. The fire apparatus additions will bring the Fire-Rescue Department’s vehicle fleet to 132.
“We appreciate the mayor and City Council’s continued commitment to making sure our department has the best equipment and training,” Stowell said. “Our firefighters are ready for this fire season and we encourage all San Diegans to do their part in being prepared, as well.”
— City News Service