The Downieville Volunteer Fire Department has acquired a new fire engine to solve critical water supply challenges. The 2018 Ford F-350 will tow a high-volume pump to access water from rivers and creeks, cutting tender refill times from nearly an hour to about 30 minutes.
Purchased for $70,000 from a Virginia department, the cost was fully reimbursed by the State of California. The vehicle is also classified as a Type 6 wildland engine, adding versatility for different fire types.
This strategic upgrade, supported by state readiness funds, ensures a faster, more reliable water response for both local and regional firefighting efforts.